Tyla Flexman (aka Bird) was first selected to the Women’s Junior National Team in 2004 and received her first international cap with the Canadian Women’s National Team in Dublin, Ireland, vs. Ireland (January 16 -18, 2009). Flexman officially announced her retirement from the Women’s National Team on August 3rd, 2012.
Flexman has been an integral part of the Women’s National Team competing in the Commonwealth Games (2010); two FIH Champions Challenges (2009, 2011); Pan American Cup (2009); Pan American Games (2011) and the FIH Road to London Olympic Qualifier in Delhi (2012). She was also a member of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds Athletic Council and played for the UBC Thunderbirds helping them to win five consecutive Canada West Conference Championships and two CIS National Championships. During her career she received numerous awards including being named the Canada West Player of the Year (2008-2009); receiving the Gail Wilson Outstanding Contributor Award, for service on and off the field (2008-2009); and named a finalist for Outstanding Graduating Female Athlete at UBC (2008-2009).
““A rock in defence, she is a fast moving midfielder who reads and manages situations well. Her defining asset lies in her incredible work rate.” says Paul Bundy, Assistant Coach of the Women’s National Team. “She was the first girl to break 13 on the Beep test which is an outstanding achievement resulting in a cultural shift which increased the entire team’s training standards. She overcame technical inadequacies of her game by strengthening her physiological and psychological capabilities as a high performance athlete. Tyla is indeed a rare bird!,”
She ranks one of her most memorable experiences during her time with Team Canada as competing in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. She also remembers proudly walking on to the field representing Canada at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. “There are so many memories of games and tournaments, moments of guts and glory displayed by my team, and supporting one another through the highs and lows,” says Flexman.
“Bird has the perfect blend of work ethic, intelligence, and compassion – sprinkled with the right amount of crazy,” says teammate Thea Culley. Flexman, alongside Culley and Katie Baker, are inseparable on and off the pitch. Playing together since Juniors, they are the only remaining women’s national team members from the 2005 Junior World Cup team. “It will definitely be a unique experience without Bird. After all, nobody DJ’s our pre-game like her!”
Team Captain Katie Baker says, “When Tyla joined the team she brought with her not only a personality that gelled the team together, but the want for more than the status-quo, more than the standard, and more than what was ever expected or asked of us. She inspired those around her to give more of themselves, as she stepped into a number of roles that people were not exactly lining up for. She excelled at these and pushed those around her to step out of their comfort zone, and give more for their team.
Teammates and coaches alike recognize Tyla’s exceptional ability to get the best effort from herself and teammates, while still taking time to mentor younger athletes. “One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to work within a team. There’s a complexity to a high performance team sport environment and I’ve learned many valuable lessons that I know will be able to carry into my next career,” says Flexman. “I’ve learned how to push myself. Elite sport is about constantly pushing the boundaries of what you are capable of and I have learned a lot about myself throughout my years on the team”.
Hash Kanjee, Krista Thompson, Sheena Scott, John McGillvray, Kimo Linders, Louis Mendonca and Paul Bundy are former coaches and some of the many, many people, alongside friends and family, who have supported Tyla throughout her career. “It’s not often that you get people with the attributes that you want in all your athletes, those of impeccable character, a tireless work ethic and a desire and dedication to see something to its proper conclusion. She makes coaching fun and she is a living example of someone who has shown that good things do come from commitment, hard work and dedication,” says Hash Kanjee, Head Coach, UBC Thunderbirds Women’s Field Hockey.
Flexman’s dedication extends beyond her efforts on the playing field. Known for her kindness and her effervescent personality, she exemplifies many outstanding qualities demonstrated in her academics; maintaining a high level of sportsmanship and teamwork and always mindful of the need to contribute to her community. She volunteers with Vancouver’s East Side Womyn’s Gym working with under privileged women in promoting health care and fitness in our marginalized communities. She is always the first to volunteer and organize the team’s social activities, ranging from fundraisers to retirements or some good times with the team. She is ready and available sporting a smile and a willingness to make things happen!
Tyla Flexman truly believes that despite her retirement, her love of field hockey has not faded and she will continue to support the team’s success any way she can. “I will miss the challenge. Every day I got to work beside outstanding teammates who pushed me and the team to be better. That environment is exhilarating, hard, motivational and unique.” Tyla will undoubtedly enter her next career with the same grace, wit, determination and big smile she brought to her team and field hockey each and every practice and game.
