We’re counting the days until the fifth anniversary edition of the UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference presented by National Bank on August 11 in Toronto.
Before taking the stage at Sobeys Stadium, Ellie Black, Anastasia Bucsis, Coach Carey, and Shauna Bookal took the time to chat all things UNMATCHED, women’s sports, valuable lessons learned, and much more.
What is one thing you hope participants leave UNMATCHED thinking about?
Ellie Black: I hope they will leave inspired and thinking of driving and inspiring action in their communities. To leverage their voices for the current but also future generation to engage with.
Anastasia Bucsis: I want people to realize that they are not bystanders, we have agency in being Architects of the Next Era of Canadian Sport Equity. UNMATCHED is a very powerful day filled with like-minded people that want to build in the same direction and it is a special opportunity to network, to connect with community and to really feel like you’re making a difference.
What gives you the most optimism about the future of sport?
Ellie Black: Sport is a space where anyone and everyone should be able to partake and succeed. It connects us, teaches us, inspires us, and simply betters us and the world. I have optimism because we are putting the work in, collaborating, communicating, and inspiring change.
Coach Carey: The shift in language and ownership coming from the next generation of athletes. We are moving from a mindset of simply "fitting in" to one of true belonging, where young leaders are defining their own worth and embracing the power of authentic, intersectional leadership. It’s inspiring to see this collaborative movement toward equity, proving that when we prioritize well-being and advocacy, we build a space where every individual knows they are more than enough.
Anastasia Bucsis: We have laid tremendous groundwork which is going to give the next generation of women leaders that much more to build from and to be inspired by.
What's one conversation the sport industry isn't having enough?
Ellie Black: I believe the sport industry has missed the mark with research and education on women’s health and the direct impact on sport participation, performance, and overall female health in sport literacy.
Coach Carey: We need to dive deeper into how we humanize athletes and staff beyond their performance metrics and "impact over numbers". While the industry has made strides in visibility, we aren't talking enough about the psychological safety and intersectional equity required to support the whole person, particularly how race, neurodiversity, and identity influence one's ability to show up authentically in high-performance environments.
Shauna Bookal: Everyone in sport is looking for a ‘quick fix’ and no one is talking about setting the foundation for the future. For example, everyone is looking for racialized leaders in the sports group, however no one is talking about how we get to this goal.
Anastasia Bucsis: I think we’re talking a lot about women’s sports, but I would love for us to dive a little deeper into this blossoming environment to see where the power still lies. I’d love to see where men are filling positions, where women are filling positions and see those numbers grow exponentially as well.
Which athlete(s) inspires you the most right now?
Ellie Black: Alysa Liu. Her journey has reiterated that mental health strain, immense pressure, and burnout are very real, and that passion, joy, and self care is vital. At any level of sport but especially the highest level of sport you can succeed and be happy and healthy. Serena Williams. Coming out of retirement because of her love and passion for the sport and wanting to inspire her daughters. As an older athlete in my sport, I am so inspired to see such an incredible woman coming back, no matter what age, to pursue something she loves.
Anastasia Bucsis: Victoria Mboko. She’s the real deal, on the court and off the court, and I am so excited to watch her career and for Canadians to get to know her.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Ellie Black: Don’t get stuck only focusing on the end result, be present and enjoy the process. You want to look back and have enjoyed the process while working hard to be successful.
Shauna Bookal: You are a racialized leader, does not make you a racialized problem-solver.
Anastasia Bucsis: Your superpower is being yourself. Success does not make you happy, but happiness makes you successful. From a sporting lens, I would say: your results don’t define you.
What's one lesson from tennis that applies beyond sport?
Coach Carey: The concept of controlling the controllables. You spend so much energy worrying about your opponent’s power or the wind, but the only thing you truly have agency over is your own serve, your own footwork, and your reaction to a bad call. It teaches you that resilience isn't about avoiding mistakes; it's about how quickly you can reset and focus on the next point. If you can master that internal pivot, you can navigate any challenge life throws your way with grace and intentionality… And of course, at the start of every game, no matter how fierce the appointments are it is always LOVE / LOVE.
What's your favourite thing about the National Bank Open?
Shauna Bookal: As the Co-Committee Head of the Promotions committee, I am biased by saying the volunteers are my favourite thing about NBO! I get to volunteer with people of all ages, cultural groups and it’s a place where your title and status do not matter.
Anastasia Bucsis: How it showcases that Canada is a tennis nation. It rallies Canadians, it brings everyone together. The atmosphere is tremendous, you always feel wanted, welcomed, seen and there’s always something to celebrate.
