Gabrielle Santerre embraces leadership role with Bishop’s women’s hockey program

Gabrielle Santerre has been successful on the ice since she first laced up a pair of hockey skates at the age of four. Now, as a standout forward with Bishop’s University’s women’s hockey program, she’s channeling her passion for the sport into helping her team grow.

The 20-year-old psychology student from Quebec credits her older brother, who also played hockey, as her first inspiration to hit the rink. 

“I wanted to do like my brother,” said Santerre. 

“We’re a sporty family — my siblings and I all played different sports growing up, from football to broomball and basketball.”

Despite dabbling in other sports, hockey emerged as Santerre’s true calling. She began playing in mixed leagues before transitioning to women’s hockey, where she says she truly discovered her potential. 

“That’s when I set goals for myself, and I knew I wanted to go higher,” she said. 

When it came time to choose a university, Santerre sought a program that resonated with her values and aspirations. 

“Bishop’s was a young program, and I wanted to be part of building it from the ground up,” she said. 

“Staying in Canada, close to my family, and having the chance to create a winning culture here was really important to me.”

Santerre’s dedication to both her team and her studies is evident. Majoring in sports studies with a minor in psychology, she’s already thinking about how to blend her academic and athletic passions into a career as a sports psychologist. 

“I’ve been working with a sports psychologist, and it’s made such a difference in my performance,” she said. 

“Mental preparation is just as important as physical training.”

She draws comparisons between mental preparation and strength training. 

“Confidence is like a muscle — you can develop it,” said Santerre. 

“It takes preparation, effort, and consistency, but anyone can build it.”

Santerre’s mental approach has helped her thrive in a challenging environment. Last season, Bishop’s finished second in their league, just behind perennial powerhouse Concordia, who went on to win the national championship. Santerre played a pivotal role in the team’s success, winning both 2024 women’s hockey awards for U SPORTS Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, which was a first in any U SPORTS team sport. She was also named Bishop’s University Female Freshman and Female Athlete of the Year in 2024.

“I didn’t put any pressure on myself as a rookie. I just focused on helping the team as much as I could,” she said. 

“This year, my goal is to bring my team to the national championship. Last year, I went alone with my coaches, but I want to go as a team and compete.”

Santerre is also one of 21 student-athletes who will wear the maple leaf in Women’s Hockey at the 2025 FISU Games in Torino, Italy.

For Santerre, preparation goes beyond strategy sessions and drills. She incorporates visualization exercises, mindfulness practices, and even meditation into her pre-game routine. 

“I visualize myself in different game scenarios — defensive zone, neutral zone, you name it. It’s all about being in the present moment and soaking it all in.”

Her approach to hockey is rooted in balance and enjoyment. 

“When I’m performing my best, it’s because I’m having fun,” she said. 

“During warm-ups, I make sure to laugh and talk with my teammates. It keeps me grounded and focused.”

Santerre draws inspiration from Mélodie Daoust, a Canadian Olympian known for her intelligence and playmaking abilities. 

“She’s not the biggest player, but she’s so smart and skilled,” said Santerre. 

“I hope to follow a similar path in my own career.”

Her commitment to continuous improvement extends beyond the rink. During the pandemic, Santerre turned to books on sports psychology and performance to deepen her understanding of the mental side of the game. 

“I wanted to be the best athlete I could be, and I saw the difference it made in my performance,” she says. She cites “The Mindful Athlete” by George Mumford and “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” by Tim Grover as particularly influential reads.

Santerre says her philosophy on success is grounded in personal fulfillment rather than external validation. 

“A lot of people focus on results, but for me, success is about how you feel about yourself,” she said. 

“Did you give it your all? Were you prepared? If the answer is yes, then you’ve succeeded.”

As she embarks on her second season with Bishop’s as captain, Santerre remains determined to lead by example. For her, the journey is as important as the destination. 

“I’m proud to play in my country and to be part of this program,” she said. 

“Every day is an opportunity, and I’m making the most of it.”