03/08/2026
Our second submission was from Team USA #31, Ashley Steele...
"Ever since I started playing ringette at five years old, Keely Brown has been someone I’ve looked up to. She was the athlete I watched and thought, “That’s who I want to be one day.” And honestly, even now as an adult, she still inspires me just as much with who she is both on and off the ice.
When I was a kid, Team Canada came to our hometown and some of the athletes were billeted locally. I had the opportunity to be around that team, and seeing how they trained, carried themselves, and interacted with people left a lasting impression on me. From that point on, I knew I wanted to play at that level. It shifted from being just a childhood dream to something I genuinely believed I could work toward.
Keely has always stood out to me because she is an elite athlete in multiple sports, including ringette, roller hockey, and ice hockey. She has played a huge role in shaping the world of ringette and the NRL into what it is today, and she continues to give back to the sport in meaningful ways. She runs one of the only ringette goalie-specific camps and serves as a coach for the Junior National Canadian ringette team, helping develop the next generation of athletes.
What makes her even more inspiring is who she is beyond sport. She is a lawyer with OEG in Edmonton and has built an incredibly successful career off the ice, all while remaining one of the kindest and most genuine people you’ll ever meet. She sets such a powerful example for young female athletes, and honestly, for those of us who are grown up but still striving to be better every day. She shows that you can pursue excellence in your sport, in your career, and in your character all at the same time."
(Photo from Team Finland's WRC2026 Collection)
