Rachel J. Ivey

Rachel J. Ivey, Co-Creator and Director of Northern Trailblazers Basketball has been a dynamic force in Fort McMurray’s basketball community for the past eight years. Originally from Toronto and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Rachel’s journey to this region began in 2017 with a three-month contract to assist with a start-up basketball club called Aurora Basketball. But what started as a temporary role turned into a lifelong commitment to building a robust basketball community in the heart of Alberta.

Rachel’s passion for basketball runs deep, rooted in her upbringing in a basketball-centric family. “I come from a basketball family,” she shares. “Both of my parents were my coaches throughout my childhood, and my dad, Winston Ivey, is still actively coaching in Sault Ste. Marie. My brother, Sam, is also on the coaching staff at Algoma University.” Growing up surrounded by mentors and teammates who encouraged her love for the game, Rachel is now paying it forward in Fort McMurray. Her work through Northern Trailblazers and her volunteer efforts with in-school programs, École McTavish Basketball, Alberta Indigenous Games, Keyano College Women’s Basketball have solidified her as a pivotal figure in the region’s basketball scene.

One of Rachel’s most meaningful recent achievements was coaching the U15 Girls Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region all-Indigenous team, which won a gold medal at the 2024 Alberta Indigenous Games this past August. This accomplishment not only brought pride to the region but also provided the young athletes with a sense of empowerment and belonging. “It was an incredible experience to see these girls come together and represent their communities so passionately,” Rachel reflects. “The gold medal was a testament to their hard work, determination, and the power of sport to unite and inspire.”

For Rachel, the most rewarding part of her career has been watching young players develop—not just their basketball skills but also their sense of belonging and confidence. “Watching kids grow up and become better basketball players, and building relationships with families from all over the world, has been incredibly fulfilling,” she says. As a keen photographer, Rachel also captures special moments on and off the court, sharing these memories with families near and far. These connections make her work feel even more meaningful, as she helps preserve moments that players and their families can cherish forever.

In addition to her work on the court, Rachel’s interest in photography has opened up new avenues for her creativity. “I am most interested in action sports photography,” she explains. Over the years, she has captured skateboard, snowboard and wakeboard competitions in Canada and the US, and, of course, countless basketball games. Looking ahead, Rachel dreams of expanding her portfolio and possibly shooting for major professional sports, concerts, or even the Olympics.

Rachel’s deep commitment to her community is matched by her concern for the challenges that young athletes face today, particularly the high dropout rates among teenagers—especially girls—in sports. She sees firsthand how eager, enthusiastic kids can lose their spark between the ages of 12 and 14. Junior high can be a difficult time, and Rachel emphasizes the importance of supportive adults in helping young athletes stay engaged. “Parents, guardians, and adults in their lives need to show they care about their kids and support the activities they pursue. If you’re excited, they will be too,” she urges.

She believes that fostering a positive, inclusive environment is essential for keeping kids involved in sports. By encouraging families to attend practices and games, learn the game alongside their children, and cheer them on, Rachel has seen how these small acts can make a huge difference. Her dedication to keeping young people engaged in sports speaks to her broader vision for the future of Fort McMurray’s basketball community.

Rachel’s long-term goal is to see the basketball community in Fort McMurray grow, with more young players going on to compete at the collegiate level and eventually returning home to continue building the programs she helped start. “We’ve had so many kids come through our NTB system. Every year the basketball community is growing,” she says. Her hope is that this growing passion for basketball will continue to be reflected in community investments, like the new downtown basketball court—a testament to the progress she and others have made.

Rachel sees herself as a bridge between Fort McMurray’s present and future. By inspiring young athletes, fostering a sense of community, and advocating for the value of youth sports, she is shaping the next generation of leaders and athletes in the region. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, and it serves as an inspiration for all those looking to make a difference in their community.

With a basketball in one hand and a camera in the other, Rachel J. Ivey is leaving an indelible mark on Fort McMurray—one jump shot and snapshot at a time. And if your child plays basketball in this city, there’s a good chance that Rachel already knows them, cheering them on every step of the way.

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