When Taylor Featherstone first visited the University of Calgary Dinos women’s basketball team, she was attracted to the team environment—in particular the “SugarShack,” a house where she and teammates would reside.
It would become a source of comfort for the Ottawa native while facing adversity as she’s dealt with numerous injuries in her two-year career—especially this season.
After winning a silver medal with Team Ontario at the Canada Summer Games in2017, Featherstone came to visit Calgary and the Sugar Shack. The team’s dynamic stood out right away.
“We just get along so well,” Featherstone said. “There’s no drama, there’s no cliques.”
“The fact that everyone was so inclusive just really almost shocked me,” she said. The “open door” policy of the Sugar Shack (where she stayed for one summer and frequently visits) helped her with being away from home and other challenges.
“It’s the place to be,” she said. Featherstone had a plantar fasciitis injury the past two summers, as well as a concussion and foot injury this season. She’s only played seven games this year.
“Especially with concussions, the fact that you have to lay in bed and rest for so long, it can get a little bit depressing,” she said. She said she also deals with “a little bit of depression,” often feeling “mentally drained all the time.”
“It’s not easy but it’s something that I’ve come to terms with and I try not to be scared to talk about it,” she said.
Featherstone added opening up about her depression and getting help has been beneficial. Going to counselling, a tactic encouraged by her sister, is something that helps.
“I find that helps me get things off my chest,” she said.
“They give me tips about how to manage my time better so that I’m not as stressed and anxious, or little things that I can do to put a smile on my face. Always trying to be around people also helps,” she added.
“I find that when I’m alone, that’s when I get the most upset.”
Fortunately for Featherstone, she has the support at Calgary that she felt when she first visited. When working her way back from those injuries, Dinos head coach Damian Jennings was supportive in helping her, on her journey back to full fitness.
“One thing [Jennings] always told me to do is smile,” she said. Another tactic was “to build traction” and gain confidence by working on her shooting and practicing composure.
“Not be frustrated with myself when I come back from injury,” she added.
“I can expect myself to give as much as I would like, but not to be so upset when it doesn’t happen.”
With the team’s open door policy, Featherstone feel she can talk to not only Jennings about her challenges but her teammates—including roommate Erin McIntosh—as well.“It’s not even necessarily anything that they would do,” Featherstone said.
“It’s just more knowing that if I needed them, they’re in my corner sort of thing.”Despite the set backs, she explains she’s grown as a person through her Calgary experience.
“Just knowing that I can do that andI can work hard at trying to continue to be as good as I can…to the sport I love is awesome,” she said. Featherstone is still doubtful whether or not she’ll play at nationals from March 5-8 in her hometown.
She’s dealing with knee bursitis and a bit of thoracic outlet syndrome in her shoulder. Regardless, she knows she’ll continue to support her teammates with the same energy she had growing up.
“I’m always the first one off the bench, cheering somebody on. It doesn’t matter who it is or what they do,” she said.
“The first thing that teammates have told me is how they love how energetic I am or the little pointers I give them…how supportive I am,” Featherstone said.
“I think just hearing that is really cool because I haven’t been able to have that [playing] experience and knowing that I’m still contributing, it’s super awesome.”
Feature image provided.
