Desjardins newest Hall of Famer

Multi-sport athlete Natalie Desjardins was recognized for her long list of achievements during Fort High’s annual athletic awards banquet at La Place Rendez-Vous last Thursday night.
The prolific Muskie athlete took home three awards, including female MVP of the badminton team, female athlete of the year, and the prestigious Hall of Fame award.
In winning the awards, Desjardins realized a goal she had set for herself at the outset of her career in high school athletics.
“Ever since I heard that there was an [award for] athlete of the year, that’s all I’ve wanted,” she admitted. “That’s been my goal since I was in Grade 9.”
But while winning the female athlete of the year has long been a goal, Desjardins said she was shocked and honoured to be given the Hall of Fame award.
“I’m just so surprised,” she said of the unexpected honour.
The Hall of Fame award is the most prestigious athletic award given out at Fort High.
Fort High athletic director John Gibson said what makes the award special is the fact it is not given out every year.
Much like the Hall of Fame awards in major professional sports, the Muskies only bestow the honour on athletes who’ve truly had remarkable athletic careers at Fort High—like Desjardins.
“Last year we didn’t have anyone nominated for the Hall of Fame award,” Gibson said. “This year, there were three different people who felt that she was a worthy nominee, a deserving nominee.”
Gibson said Desjardins was an extremely deserving winner of the award given her contribution to Muskie athletics both this season and in years past.
“For someone to compete at this level for four years in four different sports, bringing a valuable contribution to her team, it’s immeasurable,” Gibson said of the impact Desjardins has had.
Desjardins most often is recognized for her exemplary play on the badminton court. A three-time Muskie badminton MVP, she has competed at the all-Ontarios in the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles divisions.
She also was named MVP of the junior girls’ volleyball team in Grade 10, and has been a solid contributor on both the girls’ soccer and basketball teams.
But as great a player as she’s been on the court, Gibson said it is her attitude off the court which really sets her apart from most players.
“I had a chance to work with her in badminton,” he said. “She’s a joy to coach. She’s quiet but really aggressive. When you stop to talk to her, she picks it up. She listens.
“She takes it and she uses it.”
Despite having played for four years, fans of Muskie athletics will have the opportunity to watch Desjardins compete in the black-and-gold for one more season beginning in the fall.
“I’m coming back for one more year and playing more sports,” Desjardins said when asked what her plans are for next year.