Submitted by Jacinta McGrath
for The Irish Loop Post
Gracie Dalton has come a long way since she began bouncing a basketball in her backyard in the Southern Shore community of Cape Broyle. Some may argue that even back then, she was a standout when it came to the game of basketball.
Gracie’s game has evolved since she first donned the Bronco uniform as a determined little 5-year-old hoopster player at Baltimore School. Since the very beginning she had skills and more importantly a desire to continuously improve her game. Some of that help came from her big sister, Brianna, who had quite a successful high school basketball career in her own right. When the two were on the court, there were no words needed – one sister always knew where the other would be on the floor, what the next move was and who was going to make it. Perhaps some of that sixth sense came from their mother, Leanna, who coached the girls for most of their lives. As a coach, Leanna’s love of the game is no secret. No doubt this passion rubbed off on her daughters, but perhaps the most significant lesson she taught them is to never settle for anything less than their best.
And that’s just what Gracie Dalton is giving. As her final year of high school closes in at Baltimore School, Dalton has built up quite the CV in terms of sporting accolades. She has her name on 16 Provincial Championship banners, has won endless Player of the Game awards and MVP of the tournament awards. She has represented the province on five provincial Newfoundland and Labrador teams and for two years standing was honored with the Premier’s Athletic Award which recognizes the province’s top athletes. Dalton is a go-to player on the CE23 club team and a member of the 2022 Canada Games Team that will be travelling to Niagara Falls later this year.
Well known coach of the CE23 club team, Doug Partridge says, “It has been an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to coach Gracie at the club level and work with her as a provincial athlete. She is a special player and competitor who makes those around her better. She reminds me of athletes like Michelle Healey and Amy Dalton, who have that force of will that drives their team to accomplishment. It is not always in the box score, but is always in the final score. I am excited to see her move on to university play. I believe she will be a real force at the next level as well.”
If you happen to be on the Southern Shore Highway at 5 a.m. any morning of the week, you might meet Dalton traveling to St. John’s for an early morning practice.
“Gracie has never given up on this dream of hers,” says Mom and coach, Leanna. “Despite everything that has happened with Covid, gyms shutting down and programs coming to a halt, Gracie has stuck with her plan and always found an avenue to continue to train and work on her game.”
Coach Sandra Kavanagh, who has also coached Gracie for many years, reiterates this sentiment. “Gracie is an all-around athlete with a love of sport, but it is her hard work and determination that really makes her a standout,” says Kavanagh.
It is no surprise her Canada Games coach, Ang Tornville, feels the same. “Gracie Dalton is a special kind of athlete and person that is destined for greatness on and off the court,” says Tornville. “Her sheer determination and desire for self-improvement is remarkable. She is a fierce competitor, an amazing teammate and absolute joy to coach.”
Despite the early mornings and late evenings dedicated to her sport, Dalton also makes time to keep on top of her schoolwork. She has always been a stellar student – taking advanced courses and maintaining top grades.
It is no wonder that in her final year, with post-secondary prospects on the horizon, coaches from around the country had taken notice of the 5”10 guard and started knocking on Gracie’s door. The final decision came down to what felt right and on December 16th the Dalhousie Tigers were happy to officially publish a press release with the news that they were naming their first recruit for the 2022-23 season – Gracie Dalton. At Baltimore School, we are so happy for Gracie and we wish her every success as she moves forward in the next chapter of her basketball career!
