Emily Holmes knows what Matt Pearce meant to the local sports community.
As an athlete, a coach, a teacher and a role model, Pearce personified the commitment and hard work it takes to excel on the fields and gymnasiums and succeed in the classroom.
The 19-year-old UNBC Timberwolves basketball team point guard also knew Pearce as family friend, which makes her selection as the first female recipient of the Matt Pearce Award that much more significant to Holmes.
"It was pretty special, I remember opening up the letter and a lot of emotions were going on, it was kind of another reminder of everything Matt had done," she said. "When I received the award I was literally moved to tears. It's such an honour to be the first girl to receive that award."
Pearce played seven years in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and won the Grey Cup in 1990.
At the time of his death, he was an assistant coach of the Duchess Park senior boys basketball team, having served that year as co-coach of the Condors' varsity football team. He also coached in the Junior Timberwolves club basketball program and was an official in men's league games.
The former president the Prince George District Teachers Association was inducted into the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
"This award was created due to Matt's success in athletics. It motivates me as an athlete to push and challenge myself as he did, and to always give it your best performance. It's another way to recognize his legacy as an athlete and community role model in Prince George."
Holmes played club basketball with Pearce's daughter Tenley and against her in the high school games. Her parents, Dave and Louise, knew Pearce for two decades, having coached basketball with him during his time at Duchess Park and College Heights secondary schools.
He died suddenly in January at age 48.
The new award provides $1,000 for a male and female athlete at UNBC. It was created as a result of donations and ticket purchases at the annual Timberwolves Legacy Breakfast. Elliot Rowe of the UNBC men's basketball team was picked as the inaugural male winner of the Pearce Award. Rowe, a native of Victoria, is in his fifth season with the T-wolves.
"As a department we thought it would be a wonderful way to show our appreciation to Matt and his family for all the things he has done for UNBC athletics in particular and sport in general in Prince George," said UNBC athletic director Loralyn Murdoch.
The third annual Legacy Breakfast fundraiser is set for Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Northern Sport Centre and it will feature former NHL star Theoren Fleury as the guest speaker.
"Donor support is so important and extremely appreciated," said Holmes.
"Not only does donor support play a huge role helping student-athletes succeed in the classroom, but it also builds a connection between athletes and the community."
Holmes, a Duchess Park secondary school graduate, is in her second season in the CIS, sharing the workload at point guard with Maria Mongomo, UNBC's all-star sophomore. Coming off the bench, Holmes contributed a key three-point shot in the T-wolves' 68-57 win over the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Dec. 3 at the Northern Sport Centre, helping them win back-to-back games for the first time in their five-year CIS/U Sports history.
"It's a blast playing for the team, the girls are awesome and the community and the support we get is awesome," said Holmes.
"That was a huge way to end off the beginning of the season before the Christmas break, coming out with a win. We're coming back on a positive note, ready to get more."
The women's and men's teams resume their practice schedules Dec. 27. Both teams resume play in the Canada West Conference, Jan. 13 in Calgary against Mount Royal University.
