In the Wild with Lisa Weagle, Two-Time Canadian Olympian

Lisa Weagle competing for Team Canada.

Lisa Weagle’s story is one of resilience and a lifelong passion for sport. From a local rink to the Olympic stage, she built a career that blends athletic excellence with communications expertise. Now, through her very own curling academy — Lisa Weagle Curling Academy — she’s channeling that experience into shaping the next generation of athletes — providing the kind of mentorship she once wished she had, and celebrating the ‘light bulb’ moments that make coaching so rewarding. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, reinvention, and giving back to the community that shaped her.

In our In the Wild series, we interview Canadian entrepreneurs to hear their stories and learn what they wish they knew when starting out.

Ottawa entrepreneur Lisa Weagle shares stories from her early days and how they shaped her journey to becoming a professional athlete. She explains that it took many setbacks to get where she is, reflecting on the lessons she learned in both government and sport, and how they ultimately inspired her to open her own curling academy.

Lisa made her Team Canada curling Olympic debut at PyeongChang 2018.

Early Life

What was it like growing up in Canada?

Growing up in Canada, sport has always been part of the fabric of our community.

Winters are long, so curling clubs are like second homes for a lot of us.

How would you compare the athletics landscape then versus now?

When I started curling, the sport felt very grassroots. The only time I ever saw women competing on television was once a year at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Today, there’s more visibility, prize money, and sponsorship than I ever would have thought possible.

As well, there's a more structured pathway for young athletes, with high-performance programs, specialized coaches, and access to sports science.

It’s exciting to see opportunities expand, yet the sense of community remains just as strong.

Can you share some of your earliest memories or milestones in curling?

A milestone for me was getting on a competitive team at 14 years old, and travelling to Toronto to compete in weekend bonspiels.

That was when I realized curling could be more than just something fun to do after school

What is your earliest memory?

One of my earliest memories is sliding around on the ice at the Granite Curling Club in Ottawa with my family. My parents joined the year before I did, and they signed me up for the Little Rock program.

Both of my parents volunteered at the club, and one of the perks of my dad being the House & Property Manager was that he had a key to the club, so I'd get some solo practice time when the club was closed to everyone else.

What first drew you to the sport?

Curling felt approachable and fun. I was drawn to the mix of strategy, sweeping, and teamwork.

Were there any key figures who inspired you along the way?

Lisa with Marilyn Bodogh. Marilyn was invested into the Order of Canada in 2022.

I had so many people invest in me as a young athlete. My parents supported me but I never felt pushed by them. They really just cared that I took part in one summer sport and one winter sport.

I was fortunate to have coaches who believed in me. Elaine Dagg-Jackson was especially influential—she planted the seed to start my own curling academy.

Seeing trailblazers like Sandra Schmirler and Marilyn Bodogh also showed me what was possible for women in curling.

How did your experiences as a young athlete influence your decision to open the academy later on?

I benefited enormously from coaches, mentors, and teammates who gave me their time and expertise. Those experiences shaped my philosophy that “great people make great performers.”

When I opened the Lisa Weagle Curling Academy, I wanted to create the kind of program I wished I’d had as a teenage curler.

I have tried to create an environment where athletes get not just excellent technical coaching, but also mentorship, community, and the belief that their potential extends far beyond the ice.

Sports Journey

When did you first realize curling could be more than a passion—that it could be your career?

I think the turning point was competing in my first Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2011. Playing in the Scotties had been a goal for me from the time I was eight years old. We came in fourth, but it ignited the spark in me that maybe I could do more than compete; maybe one day, I could win.

I had always loved the sport, but that helped me see that getting to the top was possible, with hard work.

Later, working toward the World Championships and the Olympics reinforced the need to go all in on curling in order to achieve my goals. 

Describe a challenge you faced in your athletic career, and how you overcame it.

A defining challenge was being cut from Team Homan after 10 years of success together. It was devastating at the time, but I had to focus on what I could control—my attitude, my work ethic, and my resilience.

That mindset led me to joining Team Jones as an alternate and eventually competing in my second Olympics.

Lesson Learned: It taught me that setbacks can be the beginning of something new.

As a female athlete, were there additional hurdles you encountered?

Yes. Curling has been relatively progressive, but women still face challenges, from securing sponsorships to fighting for equal tv time. In some ways, this motivated me to work even harder.

I learned to advocate for myself and to build strong networks of mentors and allies. Now I try to pay it forward with the next generation of curlers.

Lisa with an aspiring Olympic curler.

What challenges did you encounter in launching your academy, and what helped you push through?

The hardest part was shifting from athlete to entrepreneur. I knew curling, but not how to run a business!

I took the Certificate in Business Program at Smith School of Business which was helpful. I also leaned on mentors a lot. And I learned the power of YouTube to teach you how to do just about anything!

I also relied on my athlete mindset: break down problems, focus on the process, and continually learn. 

Key Point: The athlete’s mindset shares many traits with the entrepreneur’s— tackling challenges step by step, staying disciplined, and always growing from experience.

Career & Professional Growth

What do you enjoy most about teaching curling today?

I love seeing athletes have “lightbulb moments” when something clicks in their delivery or sweeping and they realize what they’re capable of.

But even more, I enjoy watching them grow as people. It's so fulfilling seeing athletes developing confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills that will serve them long after curling.

Lisa Weagle coaching young curlers at her academy.

Beyond passing on technical skills, what motivated you to establish your own academy?

For me, the academy is about creating a positive environment. I try to create a place where athletes feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

It’s also about giving back. So much was invested in me, and I feel a responsibility to do the same for the next generation.

What lessons or insights from your Olympic experience do you still apply to your work at the academy?

One lesson I like to share is that excellence is built on everyday habits, not just podium moments. At the Olympics, you see how much the little things matter like nutrition, recovery, communication, and mindset.

I bring those lessons to the academy by helping athletes focus on process, preparation, and character.

Looking ahead, do you see yourself pursuing other projects beyond curling?

Absolutely. While curling will always be my foundation, I’m interested in projects that connect sport with business, leadership, and personal growth.

I see sport as a powerful tool for building stronger teams and communities.

Advice & Reflections

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to fail. Some of my greatest growth came from disappointments and losses.

Trust the process, stay curious, and know that resilience will carry you a long way.

What life lessons have you gained across your different careers—in sport, government, and teaching?

• From sport: the power of teamwork.

• From government communications: how to adapt under pressure.

• From teaching and coaching: the joy of seeing others succeed.

If you had to summarize your sports career in just a few words, what would they be? And how would you describe your government career in a few words?

• Sports career: Excellence, teamwork, integrity, and gratitude.

• Government career: Strategic, collaborative, and rewarding.

Key Takeaways:

Seizing opportunities: Lisa’s story reminds us that opportunities are everywhere—it’s about recognizing them and having the courage to seize them.

Building on small wins: From joining her first competitive team at 14 to competing in the Scotties, she shows that success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built by celebrating small wins and using them as fuel for bigger goals.

Daily habits matter: Podium moments may stand out, but Lisa emphasizes that they’re built on consistent daily effort—those small margins make the biggest difference.

The power of teamwork: This is what first drew Lisa to curling, but what is also important in life and business. That’s why she wants to build stronger teams and communities.

The value of mentorship: Lisa is committed to passing on the guidance that shaped her own career, making impactful mentorship the foundation of her curling academy.

Resilience in action: Lisa reminds us that setbacks can be the beginning of something new. With resilience, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude, every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow stronger and move closer to success.

These key takeaways underscore the importance of resilience, teamwork, and mentorship in shaping both a successful career and a meaningful impact on the next generation.