By: Isabelle Ferrante
Before Jennifer Jones became one of the most decorated athletes in curling history, she was a shy kid trying to find her place.
There weren’t many female role models on television at the time. Representation was limited, and the path forward wasn’t always visible. But what kept Jones in the sport was less about what she saw and more about what she felt.
“Why I loved curling so much was because I actually felt like I belonged,” said Jones. “For this shy little kid who never felt comfortable anywhere, it was a space where I could be myself. It was home.”
The concept of belonging continues to shape the sport today. Women in Curling, which is dedicated to supporting and advancing women across all levels of the game, is built on that same idea. People stay in sport when they can see where they fit.
At the 2026 Women in Curling Summit in Mississauga, Ont., Jones shared her journey with women from across the curling community. While her resume includes two world championships, six Scotties Tournament of Hearts titles and an Olympic gold medal, her message focused less on results and more on what made them possible.
A welcoming environment, a sense of connection and people who made space for her to stay.
Those themes carried throughout the day. Guest speaker Dr. Heather Mair explored sport as a social space, while a panel featuring Jill Groves, Jill Hopkins, Sherry Middaugh and Fran Todd reflected on how curling has shaped their lives beyond competition.
For many in the room, the takeaway was familiar and reaffirming.
“It was amazing to spend time in a room with women who are encouraging and really trying to strengthen the sport,” said attendee Heather-Lynn Fraser.
That encouragement matters, especially in areas where women have not always seen themselves reflected.
Laura Leitch, Director of Operations at the Ilderton Curling Club, sees that impact in real time.
“I’m not an elite curler,” said Leitch. “But maybe somebody is looking at how I run my club and thinking, ‘I can do that.’ Growing up, it was mostly men in those roles—in ice making, in administration, on boards. That’s changing.”
Creating more of those entry points is again a key focus of Women in Curling heading into the 2026-27 season. To kick things off, a regional 2026 Women in Curling Summit hosted in Martensville, Sask., drew a multigenerational crowd to hear speakers such as Jocelyn Peterman and Sofia Scharback. Next up, the Alberta 2026 Women in Curling Summit will take place in Red Deer on Oct. 3. Peterman will be speaking again, this time joined by Dr. Heather Mair and Cori Morris, among others. Applications to host a 2027 regional summit will open on Oct. 1, 2026.
It’s all a practical extension of the same idea Jones described: that people stay in sport when they can see where they fit.
Because for many, the path doesn’t begin with a title or a podium; it begins with a feeling. When that feeling is backed by real opportunities to step in, learn and lead, it doesn’t just bring women into curling; it keeps them there and moves the sport forward with them.
