Since she arrived in Miramichi in 1975 as a Phys ed teacher, Phyllis Cooling has contributed to the growth and development of youth through a variety of sports and organizations.
Phyllis as an athlete and an educator used her skills in a variety of sports. Having been a member of the UNB Synchronized Swim Club from ’73-75 she transferred that to the formation of a synchronized swim club at MVHS in 1976 where she was an instructor and coach for 3 years.
She also Coached Ringette during this same period, 1975 and ’76.
Also in 1975, she established the Newcastle Gymnastics Club where for 10 years she was Chairperson, coach of the “Newcastle Illusions”, and coordinated Provincial Level 1 and Level 2 clinics for coaches and officials in Miramichi while completing her Level 2 National Coaching course. She organized summer and winter gymnastic camps in the region as well as provided training to the local developing gymnasts who qualified for provincial teams. She was instrumental in her success in attending Atlantic and higher levels of Competition. Two athletes from her club, undoubtedly following her lead, went on to form the Miramichi Gymnastics Club which still exists today.
Phyllis has been curling competitively since 1975. While playing and organizing many bonspiels at the local and provincial levels she attained her level 2 coaching and officiating certification. She established, coordinated and coached the junior and Little Rocks curling program from 1992-98. For the next 16 years, she held various executive positions in the Newcastle/Miramichi Curling Club. And during that time she was a member of the NB Curling Association as a Zone Rep from 2010-13. She was the Chair of the volunteer committee for the 2018 National Travellers Insurance Curling Tournament, which was an astounding success.
Phyllis has also been golfing competitively since 1975. She has competed in many provincial tournaments. She won the NBLGA Provincial Division Two category in 1983 and again in 1993. As with all of the other sports Phyllis enjoys, she dedicated herself to as part of the Committee Executive of the Miramichi Golf and Country Club. Ladies President for 3 years, 2 years as chair of the Junior Girls program, 7 years as the ladies club captain. She was a member of the Miramichi Gold Club LTD Board of Directors for 10 years as secretary/ Vice President, 5 years as President, and then in 2014 took on Vice President and completed her time in that role. Since 2018, Phyllis has been a member of the Canadian Women’s Senior Golf Association, a role that is reserved for players who are contributing volunteers in their community.
Playing, building, coaching, and promoting all while working and raising their children Alex and Nicholas, Phyllis and Doug are shining examples of Community dedication.
Having been instrumental in improving numerous community sporting organizations and facilities including playground upgrades at the former Harkins property, and an accessibility ramp at the golf club. Her commitment and contribution to the youth in the community through a variety of sports and initiatives make her a worthy inductee to the Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame.