JTT Scholarship Winner 2020
On behalf of the Calgary Minor Basketball Association and the Thiedemann Family.
We would like to congratulate Celeste Holy on being named the winner of the Jessica Thiedemann Memorial Scholarship 2020.
You have shown great dedication, attitude, and work ethic towards your craft as an official. You are a mentor and role model to younger officials.
Q: What does it feel like to be one of only 13 people that have ever received the Jessica Thiedemann Memorial Scholarship?
A: It’s truly an honor to be recognized as someone who displays joy and enthusiasm for the game as Jessica did. I realize the responsibility of carrying on her legacy and want to uphold both the CMBA and Jessica’s values as I continue my officiating career.
Q: How has the life story of Jessica Thiedemann impacted your officiating career? And life?
A: I never had the pleasure to know Jessica, but her love for the game is something I want to continue to bring to every team I officiate. Outside of basketball, I admire her dedication to the activities and people she cared for, and I try to bring that same dedication to my work, school, and family.
Q: Why did you begin to officiate basketball?
A: I played basketball from elementary through high school and have always loved the game. Officiating was simply another way for me to get involved with the sport, and it has provided me a completely different perspective and chance for improving my game.
Q: Who has had the greatest impact on you officiating basketball? Why?
A: Truthfully, my Dad has had the greatest impact on me. He is a referee as well, and his support and the ability to discuss officiating on and off the court has been an incredible chance to improve my game and grow to trust my abilities.
Q: What do you enjoy most about officiating basketball?
A: I enjoy the comradery and bond you develop with each new partner, and the energy it gives you to be at the center of an exciting game. It’s really an intimate way to experience sport and give back to the game.
Q: What do you find most challenging about officiating basketball? Why?
A: Dealing with some of the fans and maintaining focus and composure even in tight situations can be difficult, yet the new challenges every game brings is part of the excitement.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have received from another official or official mentor in CMBA?
A: I was told to pull your shoulders back when you step on the court. Even though it’s a small adjustment, making the effort to stand tall is a good physical reminder that I’m in charge of this game, and people are looking to me as a leader.
Q: How did the CMBA Referee training program help you excel and grow as an official and as a person?
A: CMBA training helped to push me out of my comfort zone, but it also gave me the tools to handle myself in game scenarios. If you are willing to show up and put in effort, the mentors and other officials do a great job balancing classroom work with hands-on practice.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to younger officials just starting to officiate?
A: Trust your instinct and be confident in your calls. It can be easy to become overwhelmed with the energy of the game at first, but if you focus on taking the game one call at a time it you learn to manage the game.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give any official?
A: I’d say to not lose sight of the basics. It gives you a lot or credibility to have both a strong whistle and signals, and to put the same level of effort into every game.
Q: What is your favorite class or subject in post secondary school? Why?
A: I’m currently a psychology major, and I’m really enjoying all my psychology courses. I love the diversity of each specialty within it, and I believe the implications of its work impact all professions which pushes me to want to know more.
Q: What are you plans after you graduate from post secondary school?
A: I’m working towards getting my master’s degree in either Speech Pathology or Audiology. The field is utilized by both the young and old which I feel needs greater advocacy about the work they do for people
Q: Do you have any long-term goals for your officiating career?
A: I want to be a strong female official who can inspire other young women in their ability to elevate the game of basketball.
Q: How have you been preparing for officiating during the pandemic for when the sport begins again?
A: Mostly watching lots of basketball! I followed along through March Madness, and I love trying to make calls throughout the games. Even just watching the refs positioning on the floor is really interesting and helps me develop my own game.
Q: Why would you encourage youth and adults to begin to officiate basketball?
A: I think everyone who begins reffing comes away with more skill and appreciation for basketball than when they began. Officiating is something you can do throughout your life, it keeps you active, and it gives you a new respect for the game.
