Former Vikes coach given ‘greatest honour’
Kathy Shields awarded Order of Canada
Kathy Shields has lived her life with feet firmly planted on gym courts — one is even named in her honour — but the former University of Victoria basketball coach said she has always been fascinated by space.
So it was with even greater delight that Shields accepted her investiture into the Order of Canada from Gov. Gen. Julie Payette on Wednesday at Government House.
“Our Governor General was an astronaut, so for me, it felt absolutely amazing to meet her and for her to be part of the investiture,” said Shields.
Shields was named to the Order of Canada in 2016 but has been unable to travel to Ottawa to be invested because of health.
“When they told me they could do it here in Victoria, I was so grateful,” said Shields.
“And then to meet our new Gov. Gen. [Payette] topped it all off and was so cool.”
Payette also presented the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Meritorious Service Decorations, Decorations for Bravery, the Polar Medal and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Shields was the lone Order of Canada recipient invested during the ceremony at Government House.
“I was so inspired listening to everybody’s stories,” said Shields.
Shields joins husband Ken Shields as a member of the Order of Canada.
“That makes it even more special,” she said.
“This is the greatest honour I have received.”
Kathy Shields guided the UVic women’s basketball team to eight national titles in the 1980s and 1990s. Ken Shields coached the UVic men’s basketball team to seven consecutive national championships in the 1980s.
Both Ken and Kathy also coached the Canadian national men’s and women’s teams, respectively.
“It is at a moment like this that you think of all the people you share this with,” said Kathy Shields.
The basketball floor in the CARSA gym on the UVic campus, home of the Vikes teams, is named Ken and Kathy Shields Court.