Badminton NWT is excited to announce that Novie Bordey has been selected as an apprentice coach for Team NT Badminton at the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Québec.

For Novie, the opportunity represents a meaningful change in perspective. After experiencing sport as an athlete, she is now stepping into a coaching role and gaining a deeper appreciation for the preparation, commitment and care that coaches bring to their athletes.

“This has been a complete 180 for me as I step into a different pair of shoes heading into the Games,” Novie said. “Being on the coaching side has given me a whole new appreciation for my previous coaches and the time, commitment and effort it takes to prepare and train athletes.”

The Canada Games apprentice coach program will help Novie build the experience, confidence and credentials needed to continue her coaching journey. Her goal is to help give northern athletes another qualified coach who can support them as they grow and compete.

Throughout the preparation process, Novie will learn alongside Team NT coaches Julie and Jeremy. She is especially looking forward to seeing how they work together to support each other and the athletes in a high-performance environment.

For Novie, strong coaching is about putting athletes first. It means knowing when to challenge an athlete through difficult training and when a simple thumbs-up can provide the reassurance they need. She recognizes that much of coaching happens behind the scenes, through thoughtful decisions and a commitment to creating an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged and able to reach their potential.

Novie is also excited to experience Québec for the first time, including its culture, food and the atmosphere of the Canada Winter Games.

Her message to other young people considering coaching or becoming involved in badminton is simple: “Just do it.” Coaching, she says, is productive, rewarding and full of learning opportunities. “You would be surprised by how much you can learn from younger athletes. Coaching has shown me that learning goes both ways.”

Congratulations, Novie. We are proud to have you as part of Team NT Badminton and look forward to seeing your journey unfold.