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Breaking Barriers: Elle Lorenz’s Mission to Empower Women in Sports

Story submitted by Edge School

Edge School Grade 12 student-athlete, Elle Lorenz, has been a mainstay on the blueline for Edge’s hockey program for five seasons. A consistent force on the ice, Elle has carved out a path in hockey that will lead her to the University of British Columbia next season to play with the Thunderbirds.

While she has thrived on the ice, proving herself as a competitor, she has also faced a side of the game that no athlete should have to endure. During her first two seasons playing on an Edge hockey team, Elle suited up in a male U15 division (which only had a few females in it). Being one of the few females playing in the division, it wasn’t rare to face verbal abuse from opponents for simply for being a girl playing with the boys.

Yet, instead of letting those experiences break her, Elle has used them as fuel to advocate for change. Now a vocal leader at Edge, Elle has taken her story beyond the rink, inspiring younger students to embrace their own journeys in sport—regardless of gender. For the past few years, she has spoken to Edge Grade 6 students about the importance of gender equality in athletics, fostering conversations about inclusivity, respect, and well-being. Her message is clear: sports should be a place where all athletes feel valued and supported – free from the limitations of outdated stereotypes.

Elle’s advocacy extends beyond words. Through her dedication and presence on the ice, she challenges the notion of who belongs in hockey. She is a reminder that talent and determination know no gender, and that every athlete—no matter their background—deserves the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Her journey is far from over, but Elle has already made an undeniable impact. By breaking barriers and standing up for what’s right, she’s not just changing the game—she’s helping to change the future of women in sports.