OSHAWA, Ont. – Jia Leblanc is a busy athlete.

In 2023-24 she was a member of the women's hockey team as a goalie, and this season she played curling and lacrosse, becoming the first tri-sport athlete in Ontario Tech Ridgeback history.

To say it takes a lot of hard work and effort to pull off the feat would be an understatement, but Leblanc has a passion for sports and loves the camaraderie and teamwork involved in each one.

"It helps me be consistent," Leblanc said. "Wanting to stay healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally helps me stay motivated."

This season, Leblanc decided to spread out to new sports, joining a lacrosse team in the fall semester that team made history, winning the first lacrosse silver medal in Ontario Tech history.

With the excitement surrounding the team and the hype around each game, Leblanc can't imagine accomplishing the feat with anyone else.

"Being on the first lacrosse team to make it past the quarterfinals and medaling was such an amazing experience," Leblanc said. "Every game was so hype, and I can't imagine doing it with a better group of girls. I love my team."

With the lacrosse season ending in October, it left the door open for her to join the curling team early in the season and as they began building towards the OUA Championship.

To accomplish what Leblanc has takes a lot of balance.

Not just on the court or ice, but in life.

Leblanc keeps a very organized calendar and schedules everything, including work, classes, sports, studying, and even meal prep.

"Sports for me are a time to forget about the stress of everyday life and school," Leblanc said. "I am lucky to have the peak of my lacrosse and curling seasons at different times of the school year. Curling practices and local games typically happen at night, and lacrosse is early in the morning, so I have time throughout my day to focus on school."

Leblanc also makes sure to take time for herself away from sports, school, and work. Whether it's watching shows and baking or spending time with friends and family, it's all about balance.

"I have my family only an hour away, so when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I have them nearby," Leblanc said.

Leblanc didn't play all of these sports growing up. In fact, she just started curling and lacrosse this year.

She grew up playing hockey, but only remembers tossing around a lacrosse ball with her dad for fun.

She was completely new to curling, but wanted to make the most out of her last two years at Ontario Tech.

"I grew up playing hockey for West Northumberland and two years in Clarington," Leblanc said. "I started when I was nine and have always been a goalie."

It's also helped that Leblanc has a great support system around her, especially on the curling team.

"I adore the curling team," she said. "Everyone is so funny, and they keep things lighthearted, so I never feel out of place. Because we are such a small group, we have a great personal connection with each other. Curling was new to me this year, but everyone was so helpful and taught me a lot. I feel supported inside and outside of the sport with my girls."

Leblanc is learning new things every day, but she does have a few skills that have translated into her new sports.

As a goalie, hand-eye coordination has helped her with catching in lacrosse, while tracking in hockey as a goalie has helped her track where she's leading the stone in curling.

Most importantly, though, growing up playing hockey has kept her conditioned to avoid muscle fatigue in lacrosse and curling.

"I want to make the most out of my last two years here at Ontario Tech, and I thought no better way than by learning something new," Leblanc said.