Parker’s Panther pride carries her to NCAA Division 1 Hockey

Fresh off her graduation from Paris District High School, multi-sport standout Naren Parker is already making her mark well beyond the walls of PDHS. A driven student-athlete known equally for her competitive spirit and her leadership, Parker capped her high school career by earning both the School Spirit Award and the Athletic Leadership Award, honours she says reflect the effort, passion, and pride she poured into her years as a Panther.

For Parker, the dual awards were more than plaques, they were meaningful reminders of the community she helped shape.

“Being recognized with both the School Spirit Award and the Athletic Leadership Award is a true honour,” she said. “I loved getting involved in school spirit and representing our community with pride.”

Her involvement went far beyond the playing surface. A key member of the Athletics Council, Parker helped organize pep rallies and major school sporting events. When teachers encouraged her to take on a leadership role, she embraced the opportunity which was an experience she says taught her confidence, communication, and the importance of teamwork.

“I gained a new appreciation for how much effort goes into making school events happen,” she added, noting that many students and staff contribute behind the scenes. “These awards reflect how much effort I have put into the sports I have played and the events I have organized.”

Parker was a force across several Panthers teams - girls hockey, softball, and ultimate frisbee. Hockey was her longtime passion, and winning the girls hockey championship in her senior year was a highlight.

Growing comfortable in one sport opened the door to many more. “The friends I made on the hockey team inspired me to try out for the girls’ softball team,” she said. “Both teams were super competitive with such a great atmosphere.”

Looking for something new to take on, she discovered a love for ultimate frisbee.

“Ultimate frisbee is one of the most fun games you can play,” Parker said, noting the game’s emphasis on communication and sportsmanship. “It really opened my eyes to good communication, patience, and leadership.”

When asked which people shaped her journey the most, Parker named her hockey and softball coaches, and especially Mr. T, her leadership teacher, athletics council adviser, and ultimate frisbee coach.

“His energy and love for the game made everyone want to show up and try their hardest,” she said.

One of her most cherished memories was travelling to OFSAA for ultimate frisbee, where the competition was fierce, and the players were exhausted. She recalls Mr. T lifting the team’s spirits and pushing them to finish strong - and with joy.

Like many student athletes, Parker learned early how demanding the schedule could be. But she said the experience shaped her work ethic.

“Balancing academics, athletics, and school involvement taught me the importance of time management, discipline, and commitment,” she explained. “Managing practices, games, and assignments pushed me to plan ahead and stay focused on my goals.”

Those lessons, she added, continue to guide her now.

Today, Parker is skating into a new chapter - NCAA Division 1 hockey at Niagara University, where she is competing in her first season with the Purple Eagles.

“I love the atmosphere and how competitive hockey is here,” she said. “Representing Niagara at the D1 level is something I take great pride in.”

The transition has been both exciting and rewarding as she continues to grow under a strong coaching staff while forging new friendships through the game she loves.

Hockey has been Parker’s favourite sport from the moment she first laced up at age three, thanks to her dad’s one steadfast rule: all his daughters must know how to skate.

“Hockey quickly became more than just a sport. It became a huge part of who I am,” she said. She loves the speed, intensity, and camaraderie of the game, and calls hockey the place “that feels like home.” Before heading to University, Parker played for the London Devilettes U18 AA team.

Despite now competing at one of the highest levels of women’s hockey, Parker still cheers for her childhood favourite, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“Even though each year may be disappointing, you can’t give up on something you really love,” she said, a sentiment so many Leafs fans share. “So, I watch them every year just hoping one year they will win a Stanley Cup.”

Congratulations to Naren Parker, our Athlete of the Month.