Jane Emerick
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She is the girl you see every Sunday morning at the soccer field. She serves you a $1 coffee, makes you a hamburger, or sells you a selection of candy she proportioned in plastic bags. Through rain and shine, this girl is smiling and she is always there. From the beginning of the soccer season in September right through to Soccerfest in the third week of April, Jaci Maddocks operates the concession stand at the Brennan Park, raising money for youth soccer in Squamish.
Recently, the Howe Sound Secondary grade 12 student was recognized for her time and energy at the closing ceremonies of Soccerfest, where she worked a 13-hour shift making hamburgers for hungry athletes.
"For sure she is an unsung hero. Not like a general, but a soldier in the trench," said Cal Hartnell, president of the Squamish Youth Soccer and the Squamish Soccer Association, who presented Maddocks with her award. "We just want to thank her for all her help."
Maddocks said she believes in the importance of soccer for Squamish and said working in the concession stand is her way of giving back.
"Soccer is good for physical fitness, team work, leadership and it brings everyone together," she said. "I work in concession because soccer is good for the community."
Donating her time on a weekly basis isn't always easy for Maddocks, who competes on the high school wrestling team and recently went to nationals. But somehow each Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., she seems to find the time.
"I play in senior girl's house league on Saturdays, I play baseball, volleyball, I mountain bike and I am helping with the grad committee. Yes it gets tough, oh yes. But that's life. You have to help out the community at some point."
Next year Maddocks plans to attend Capilano College in the university transfer program with the goal of one day becoming a teacher, and she is concerned with who will operate the concession stand.
"I am staying in Squamish because I like being here and I am probably going to coach the wrestling team next year. But my mom and I don't think we will have time. We don't know who else will do it."
Hartnell agrees if Maddocks is unable to run the stand next year it will be difficult to fill her shoes.
"It won't be easy to find someone else. The time and effort she puts in - it's not a real limelight job," he said. "Last year in the concession stand we made about $7,000 for Squamish Youth Soccer. It buys uniforms, balls and equipment. It's also just about knowing you can go down on a wet day and have a hot chocolate and hot coffee. It's part of the atmosphere and Jaci has been a big help."
Despite the thank-yous Maddocks said the best recognition she gets is from herself.
"I know," she said, still smiling.
