A mother’s decision to help with her children’s sports became a lasting commitment to her community in Thorold, Ontario.
For nearly two decades, Marsha Coppola has volunteered with local minor hockey and baseball organizations. She began because she wanted to spend time with her sons, Ty and Chase. Her children have since grown up, but her commitment to providing sporting opportunities for other young people has continued.
Recognized by her community
On November 4, 2026, Coppola was named Sport Volunteer of the Year at the City of Thorold’s inaugural Civic Recognition Awards. The city’s official announcement recognizes her work with Thorold Minor Baseball and Hockey. Local reporting says that coach Kory Yungblut nominated her despite her longstanding preference to avoid recognition.
From family involvement to civic service
Coppola’s involvement extended beyond the sidelines. She has served with Thorold Minor Hockey, Thorold Minor Baseball and the Niagara District Hockey board. She was also chair of Thorold’s parks, trails and recreation advisory committee during the council term.
The story is not one of a lone hero. In remarks reported by ThoroldToday, she emphasized the friendships built through volunteering. Those relationships helped turn a practical way of being involved in her sons’ activities into a source of lasting community connection.
Why local sports volunteers matter
Junior sporting programmes depend on people who organize schedules, coach, administer leagues and keep activities available to families. Their work often takes place outside the spotlight, but it provides a foundation for young people to participate, learn teamwork and make friends.
Coppola’s recognition celebrates that quieter kind of public service: showing up again and again because the community matters.
Sources: City of Thorold’s official Civic Recognition Awards announcement; ThoroldToday, November 7, 2026; Thorold Minor Hockey organization staff listing.
Featured photograph is illustrative ice hockey, not Marsha Coppola or a Thorold youth-sports event. Photo by Markus Spiske / Unsplash.
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