Athlete Spotlight - Carley Tougas

Each week BayToday will highlight a local athlete courtesy of BayToday.ca's newest sports writer Joey Butkevich

This week’s athlete spotlight belongs to Carley Tougas, the Grade 13 student is from Widdifield Secondary School. Carley is being spotlighted for her continued success in both academics and athletics.

Carley has been a three-sport athlete throughout high school, participating in Cross-Country Running, Track and Field, and Volleyball.

Tougas' resume is one that reads 'Winner' as she has had success in every avenue of sport she has participated in.

When she is not the setter for the Widdifield Senior Girl's Volleyball team, she can be found running long distance for the the Wildcat Track team. Carley has been a regular participant in the winners circle with the powerhouse Volleyball program, but also a successful runner; making several appearances at NOSSA for Track and OFSAA for Cross Country running.

Carley Tougas is not only a successful athlete, but an infectious personality that makes her teammates and everyone around her happy. A brief conversation with his Grade 13 student can definitely illustrate as to why she is seen as a supportive, team-player for the Wildcats. Mixed with a level-headed personality and good bloodlines from her parents, it is no wonder why sky's the limit for this aspiring Physiotherapist.

Along with maintaining an 82% overall average, the Wildcat setter is in the midst of choosing between the Universities of Guelph and Laurier, to further school studies. Carley plans on enrolling in the Bachelor of Kinesiology program next fall, with a future goal of becoming a Physiotherapist.

Before setting her sights on her future goals at University and well beyond, Carley and her teammates have set their eyes on a Provincial title at OFSAA for Volleyball.

"We're definitely hoping to medal, we have come along way. There would be no better way to end my Volleyball at Widdifield," said Tougas prior to their journey to Stratford where they were eliminated from medal contention in the quarter-finals.

The Tougas name is one that is surely a common fixture in the North Bay sports scene, with her father Larry a teacher/coach at West Ferris Secondary School, and her mother a huge supporter of the Widdifield Volleyball program. Although her father has had a successful career as a coach, Carley has carved out her own niche in sports, and has become a key member of the Widdifield Volleyball program.

Tougas views both of her parents as being inspirational influences in her life, and two key individuals in helping along the way. Carley see's her parents as the reasons as to why she has become both a successful student/athlete along her High School stay, noting that both have taught her perseverance and a positive attitude.

"My Mom has shown me how to be perseverant, and have a positive attitude. My mom supports me in my personal life and the way I have played. My Dad just has done so much for other people, he has shown me how to support other people," states Tougas.

Throughout her exposure to sports both inside and out of the high school loop, Carley feels that sports have taught her many life lessons that she will be able to carry forward. And being part of the Wildcat family has allowed her to become a part of a close knit group, one that has been through many special moments, especially on the volleyball court.

Carley Tougas is a local student/athlete on the fast track to a successful life, in whatever she so chooses. The ability to manage a hectic sports schedule with a demanding course load, has helped prepare this well-rounded young lady. Tougas is a local student/athlete who will undoubtedly lead a successful life due to her continued dedication to being a great student in both class and sports, but also a good person.