(May 28, 2025) - As Sophie Tremblay crosses the stage to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology this spring, she leaves behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and athletic achievement.
A proud Francophone and Métis whose ancestral roots derive from the Mattawa region, Tremblay completed her undergraduate degree with a minor in Sociology, all while competing at the highest level of Varsity sport and serving as an engaged member of the Indigenous Students Circle.
Born in Sudbury (ON), Sophie’s family moved to Ottawa when she started the third grade. Growing up in a “big ski family” found her skiing as soon as she could walk, so she spent plenty of time exploring the Laurentian trails in her youth. But it wasn’t until high school when she returned to Sudbury for a ski race that she realized how well the campus matched her future academic and athletic goals. “I remember being shocked because I knew Sudbury and would visit family there all the time, but this was actually the first time I realized that there was a University, there was a forest, and there were ski trails right across the road. And I thought to myself, how great would it be for me to study on such a nice campus where there’s nature, ski trails, running trails - you just can’t beat it! It’s amazing! There’s all these lakes around too — it’s just so pretty!”
Though Laurentian remained a dream post-secondary destination of hers, a competitive cross-country ski team based in Thunder Bay found her choosing Lakehead for her studies. However, the year was 2020, and the pandemic impacted methods of teaching as well as opportunities for sporting and other social events. “It was a weird time, and I ended up making the decision to move back home in my third year, since my parents had themselves returned to Sudbury during the pandemic.”
Once at Laurentian and for the next three years, Tremblay became a key member of the Nordic ski team. She competed at Ontario University Athletics Championships, and represented both the University and Canada at the FISU World University Games in 2023 and again in 2025. “Being able to represent Laurentian on the world stage was an incredible honour. The support from my teammates and coaches made all the difference. I always recommend people try cross-country skiing — it’s such a rewarding sport.”
Beyond athletics, Tremblay was a dedicated student leader and advocate. She served as the Métis representative and later Secretary of the Indigenous Students Circle, while also representing Indigenous and Métis students on the Laurentian University Native Education Council and the Strategic Research Planning Committee. “These roles allowed me to connect with so many inspiring students and community leaders,” she explains. “I learned a lot about First Nations traditions and the importance of cultural representation in education. It really deepened my understanding of my own identity and roots.”
Next for Tremblay is the undertaking of her Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) program at Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, this fall. This program provides students with a unique mix of learning opportunities in a diverse range of sites, including Indigenous and Francophone communities; the fit for Sophie couldn't be better.
Tremblay credits her involvement in Indigenous governance on campus with shaping her career aspirations. She hopes to pursue graduate studies with a focus on Indigenous education.
As she prepares to graduate, Sophie reflects with gratitude on the people and experiences that shaped her time at Laurentian. “I’m really thankful to everyone who has supported me. Being part of the Laurentian community has helped me grow in so many ways. I’m so glad that I was encouraged to get involved in student life because whether it's volunteering, joining a committee or attending an event, it’s all valuable…. I’m excited to see what’s next.”