Athlete Spotlight: Kylan Finseth of UBCO Heat Women's Volleyball

The girls sat down with UBCO setter Kylan Finseth to talk about confidence, leadership, and how sports have shaped who she is, on and off the court. From learning to move past mistakes to chasing big dreams, Kylan shares her story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Empowerment & Personal Growth

SPORTéA: How has playing volleyball helped you grow as a person, not just as an athlete?
KF: You learn so much. You have to be confident, work with your teammates, and rely on each other. It helps you become someone who can work well with people in all areas of life. Volleyball also teaches you to be creative with your plays, resilient after setbacks, and confident enough to move on quickly, just like in life.

SPORTéA: What’s a moment in your sports journey when you felt proud of overcoming self-doubt?
KF: I always wanted to play at a bigger university and go straight to a U SPORTS program. I first signed with a CCAA team and was upset at the time, but I realized it was just another path toward my goal. Taking that step showed me there are different ways to reach where you want to go.

SPORTéA: Who has been a role model or mentor for you in sports, and what’s the best lesson they’ve taught you?
KF: My parents have always been supportive, encouraging me to believe I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to.

Another big mentor was Ken McLaughlin at Pursuit Volleyball, who helped me find my passion for the game and build confidence. Three lessons that I learned from him are:

1. Step outside my comfort zone
2. Ask questions
3. Never fear failure

SPORTéA: How do you handle setbacks or mistakes on the court—and what advice would you give girls learning to do the same?
KF: I use self-talk a lot, both on and off the court, so it comes naturally in tough moments. My advice is to be kind to yourself, stay in the moment, and adopt a “goldfish mindset".

SPORTéA: What is a Golf Fish mindset?

KF: It's the idea that you should forget mistakes quickly and move on. I’ve also been practicing visualization to help reset after mistakes.

SPORTéA: What does confidence in yourself mean to you, both in sports and in life?
KF: Confidence means being disciplined and true to yourself. For me, confidence is living authentically.

Leadership & Teamwork

SPORTéA: As a setter, you lead your team during games—what’s your approach to helping your teammates feel supported and motivated?
KF: I always try to stay positive and encouraging. I never want to bring teammates down for mistakes. In huddles, we talk through what happened on the last play and what to do next. Communication is key, whether it’s technique, strategy, or noticing when a teammate is down and helping lift them up. Knowing everyone’s personality and what motivates them is also huge.

SPORTéA: How do you help create a positive and inclusive environment on your team?
KF: Team bonding is so important. Whether it’s extra reps in practice or time together off the court. Getting to know each other outside of volleyball helps us connect better on the court. Being vulnerable with teammates allows them to lift you up too.

SPORTéA: Can you share an example of when teamwork made all the difference in a game or season?
KF: This year, we played UBC, the #2 ranked team in U SPORTS and #1 in Canada West. In the first game, we got aced a lot and struggled. Our coach left us to regroup on our own, and as a team we decided we had nothing to lose. The next day, we pushed them to five sets and played unbelievably well. Even though we lost in the end, it was the best I’ve ever seen our team come together and a really proud moment for us all.

Rapid-Fire Questions: 

SPORTéA: One word to describe what being a strong athlete means to you?
KF: Courageous

SPORTéA: Favorite way to lift your teammates up?
KF: Staying positive. One teammate always asked me to jokingly say, “Stop being silly, no one was watching you!” when she'd make a mistake. 

SPORTéA: Biggest lesson sports has taught you?
KF: Work ethic. Showing up no matter how you feel.
Resilience. Focusing on where you are now, not the past.

SPORTéA: Go-to confidence booster before a game?
KF: Watching highlight videos of myself or other setters.
Laughing, dancing, and being myself with teammates.
Power poses, screaming and cheering.

SPORTéA: Favorite role model in women’s sports?
KF: Jordyn Huitema (Team Canada soccer). I met her in Mexico while playing beach volleyball at our hotel. At the time, I didn’t realize who she was, then later, when I went to add her on Instagram, I discovered she was a huge name in Canadian women’s soccer. Looking back, what struck me most was how humble and kind she was, just being herself despite all her success.

SPORTéA: Something you wish every girl knew about playing sports?
KF: Don’t fear failure. Don’t listen to the noise of “girls can’t” or “you got beat by a girl.”
Don’t let anyone make you feel small about your goals.
And don’t feel like you have to fall in line with the hierarchy of being a first-year, second-year, etc.

SPORTéA: One dream you’re chasing in volleyball or life?
KF: My first goal was playing U SPORTS, and now that I’ve reached that, I’m thinking about playing professionally. Outside of volleyball, I'd like to go on to a career in medicine.

SPORTéA: What is your favourite SPORTéA piece?

KF: I love the Confidence Hoodie. The blue is my absolute favourite. It's also incredibly thick and cozy, I actually think the quality is better than Aritzia.