Young Sask. team grateful to be at the Scotties

For some people, getting a chance to compete at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts or The Brier is a lifelong dream. For Regina’s Ashley Williamson, she’s achieved that dream at 23.

Williamson is the lead for Team Saskatchewan, playing with skip Jolene Campbell, third Ashley Howard, and second Callan Hamon. They curl out of the Highland Curling Club in Regina.

Though Williamson was a competitor in junior curling, this is her first national competition.

“It’s been a really good experience. It’s like a dream come true to be here, so I’m taking everything in as much as I can, and having fun,” said Williamson on Sunday afternoon.

“I’m taking it game by game and shot by shot, so everything is going well so far.”

She said playing in front of the big crowd in Grande Prairie is the biggest change from other competition, though she doesn’t let it bother her.

“To be honest, I don’t really notice everyone sitting out there, just because I tend to block out as much crowd as I can, just because I get a little nervous on that part of it.”

Though Williamson is one of the youngest competing in the competition, she’s not the youngest on the team; Hamon is younger.

“It’s pretty nice to know I’ve made it there when I’m 23. It’s a good experience for myself,” said Williamson.

Team Saskatchewan has a big cheering section. Williamson said her family is there with her.

“We have a sea of green up in the stands.”