Athlete Spotlights - Northern Strength Academy

Athlete of The Month

Every month, we highlight one standout athlete who’s been putting in the work, making progress, and setting the tone in the gym. Whether it’s their effort, attitude, or consistency — these athletes represent what it means to train at NSA.

Deb Barlette

March 2025 – Athlete of the Month

Testimonial

We’re excited to celebrate our March Athlete of the Month: Deb Barlette!
Deb joined NSA in December 2023, looking to stay strong and active as she aged. A seasoned paddler (8x Yukon River Quest finisher), she and her husband—who also trains at NSA—love hiking, snowshoeing, and paddling together.

With Coach Leon Bailey, Deb has been pushing her limits, and the results speak for themselves:  Squat: 55→ 245 lbs, Bench Press: 80 → 100 lbs, Deadlift: 80 → 245 lbs

Deb shared: “As I aged—I became an official ‘senior citizen’ in 2023—I found I was losing muscle mass and getting tired more easily. I wanted to be as healthy and active as possible as I aged. Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting weaker. I hike and paddle better now than I did 10 years ago. And now I have a new sport—powerlifting!”

Now semi-retired, “Dr. Deb” stays busy—teaching in graduate studies at Athabasca University, serving as an Adjunct Professor at SFU, working as a consultant, and doing too much volunteer work! Deb’s commitment to strength, health, and lifelong learning is an inspiration to us all! Keep crushing it, Deb!

Brayden Posyluzny

November 2024 – Athlete of the Month

Testimonial

This month’s Athlete of the Month is our very own Coach Brayden!

Brayden recently competed in his first-ever Skeleton race at the IBSF Asian Cup, facing 43 top athletes from all over the world. Reflecting on the experience, he shared:

“Last weekend was my first ever Skeleton race (IBSF Asian Cup). It had 43 men from all over the world (basically every Skeleton athlete was racing). This week I’ll be racing in Asian Cup 3 & 4 (Thursday/Friday 08:00 KST). I’ll be racing against guys who are the same skill level (not Olympic and World Champions). 2 runs each day and the lowest combined time wins. Training has been going well so far. It’s been quite the adjustment being halfway around the world and learning a new track.”

Luke Cozens

September 2024 – Athlete of the Month

Testimonial

We’re thrilled to showcase our September Athlete of the month: Luke Cozens!

Entering his second season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Luke has taken a massive leap this off season at NSA. Training 5 days per week from April to September, Luke’s strength, explosiveness, and aerobic power are more elite than ever.

Thanks Luke, for refusing to be outworked, and committing to your own success by training with us this summer. Big things are coming for you!

Sheila Senger

July 2024 – Athlete of the Month

Testimonial

We’re excited to highlight our Athlete of the Month for July, Sheila Senger! At 77, Sheila will compete as a Team Yukon athlete in Track and Field at the 2024 Canada 55+ Games in Quebec City. With a rich history of athletic achievement and ongoing training at Northern Strength Academy, Sheila embodies the spirit of lifelong fitness and dedication.

“My name is Sheila Senger, and I’m thrilled to compete in Track and Field at the 2024 Canada 55+ Games in Quebec City, August 27-30. I’ll run the 50, 100, and 200m sprints and compete in Javelin.

Before Quebec, I’ll test my training at the Alaska International Senior Games on August 4th. I began running at 52 and have since tackled marathons, half-marathons, and various races.

My Track & Field journey started at the 2022 Canada 55+ Games, where I won Gold in the 50m sprint and Silver in the 100m sprint. At Northern Strength Academy, I focus on sprints, strength, and Javelin.

I believe sport is for life, keeping both body and mind active. I also teach Scottish Country and Highland dancing and am an NCCP certified pickleball instructor.”

Sapphira Oettli

June 2024 – Athlete of the Month

Testimonial

We’re excited to introduce our Athlete of the Month for June, Sapphira Oettli! Since joining NSA in February 2024, Sapphira has made incredible strides in her strength, power, and confidence, showcasing immense potential for the future. Her dedication to volleyball shines through as she aims to secure a scholarship through her passion for the sport.

“Hi my name is Sapphira Oettli and I’m 16 years old. I’ve been playing volleyball for almost 5 years now. I play for heat Yukon volleyball club, the position I mainly play is setter but I can also be a libero or hitter. For three years now I’ve gone to nationals in Edmonton and this year my team got third place in our
division. This summer I’ll be playing for team Yukon on the Canada cup team for u17 girls as a setter and libero. “

Delia Therriault

April 2024 – Athlete of the Month

Testimonial

Delia’s dedication and passion for archery shine through in her relentless pursuit of excellence. As she gears up for the Youth Pan Am Championships in El Salvador next month, we’re inspired by her commitment to her sport.

“My names Delia Therriault and I’ve been doing Archery for about 5 years now, in the last two years I’ve been to multiple national events and one international event in Brazil placing third. This past year I went to AWG and secured a spot on team Canada for the Pan Am Games in El Salvador”