Karina LeBlanc, “From Dominica to Canada”

Karina LeBlanc in action

What does the Canadian Women’s Football Team have to do with Dominica?

Well, Karina LeBlanc, daughter of a Dominican, has been a mainstay of Team Canada since 1998. She has represented Canada in four World Cups and two Olympics.

Her team won the Bronze Medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics. “As I celebrate my Bronze Medal … I wish to give thanks and pay tribute to Dominica where I lived for the first eight years of my life,” Leblanc told Dominica News Online via email after the win. “Whatever success I achieved, Dominica has had a major role in shaping and nurturing my initial upbringing, my character and my talents.”

Karina’s  father, Vans LeBlanc is from Portsmouth. Her mother, Winsome Leblanc, is Jamaican. Karina was born in Atlanta, Georgia but lived in Goodwill for some time and attended Covent Prep. She has spent most of her adult life in Canada but visits Dominica very often and said one of her favorite foods is Dominican crab backs from her aunt Rosilia. She also describes Dominica as her favourite country.

Below is a video highlighting her life from Dominica to football stardom in Canada.

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22 Comments

  1. positive mind
    February 22, 2013

    There are very many children of dominican parents all over the united states who are doing great not only in sports, but academically, musically. In the Art industry on a whole. I personally know of a couple of children on the tennis circuit. haven’t made it to a grand slam yet, but they are really talented. look out for them.

  2. ma
    November 3, 2012

    CONGRATS,SHE WAS ALSO FEARURED DURING THE OLYMPICS

  3. November 1, 2012

    Karina is an AMERICAN with Dominican and Jamaican background. Last name LeBlanc, roots from Vieille Case. Congratulations either way.

  4. November 1, 2012

    Dominicans have talent regardless to where they live; however, we would like to read of more success stories in addition to promoting more Dominican talents back home. We need to be more REPRESENTED.

  5. Island Girl
    November 1, 2012

    ***I said her little sister. I do not remember which one of the girls is older. So I may be wrong. ***

  6. Island Girl
    November 1, 2012

    Congratulations to Karina!
    Wow, I remember Karina and her little sister
    coming to DGS to meet their mom after school. They went to convent prep. Her mom Miss Winsome LeBlanc was my
    teacher at DGS. When I think of my favorite teachers Miss LeBlanc has always been at the top of my list. She was awesome! Now here is her daughter making her family and all of us Dominicans proud.
    *Side note: my daughter’s middle name is Karina! Keep up the good work. Go Canada! Go Dominica! Go Karina!

  7. thickness4so
    October 31, 2012

    i swear this video makes me wanna play football. this is a real inspiration this video really sells “DREAM BIG”

  8. Wander
    October 31, 2012

    Only now u guys got the news

    Admin: Only now, we got the video. DNO has previously reported on Karina’s success as a member of Team Canada

    • Justice and Truth
      October 31, 2012

      @ Wander

      Some months ago I recall reading about her achievement on DNO. Some of us provided our comments. Where were you then?

      • November 1, 2012

        Hello, they were not listening or they didn’t care.

    • PUSSINA
      November 1, 2012

      ADMIN you lying is people business all you quick to put out and important things like that u all taking god knows how long..mine me you know admin..i have it out for you…whosssssssssss

      • Justice and Truth
        November 1, 2012

        @ Pussina

        Why bother comment on DNO and being disrespectful? You act as if you own this Website and they are subject to you. Where is your love, respect and humility? You lost them or do not possess them?

  9. Phillip Alleyne
    October 31, 2012

    Excellent….very proud!!!!

  10. papa met
    October 31, 2012

    bravo! we stand tall! Dominican to d bone!

  11. Is the same thing
    October 31, 2012

    Tears filled my eyes, and shivers ran down my spine, as I viewed this young woman who has blossomed in this awe inspiring mentor for our girls here in Dominica and worldwide. Karina LeBlanc you’ve made yourself proud, your family and your folks back home. keep going, we’re watching!

  12. October 31, 2012

    Karina is a an inspiration.Young girls should take her as a role model…

  13. Culture-Boy
    October 31, 2012

    Well, I am compelled to share my comments about the person Katrina Leblanc has become. Her accomplishment in a sport I grew up playing. My entire family is a Fan, and has always been a Fan.

    We would get pissed off! upset! when she did not start for Canada in a crucial game. I had the opportunity to see her goal keep, during a China and Canada game at BMO Field, Downtown Toronto. Her leadership during the game blew me away, and I share the passion she expels during her game. It only reminds me of the Foundational Up-bringing one has to go through growing up in the Nature Island of Dominica.

    My “I have a dream, Martin Luther King Story!” can only be that, My own daughter, Dominican parents, born in Canada,currently 13 years of age, plays Rep Soccer, passionately and competitively! Canada, Ontario, Ajax soccer Club, Rep Team, benefits from a similar success story, like Katrina.

    I admire your success Katrina! and your committment shown to Dominica! You are a true accomplishament/icon to young people out there, girls and boys, and hope your life continue to spiral in an accumulative ball of success!

    In everything you do, give God Thanks!
    Sharing Dominican blood, I think you already know that :-D Peace and Love!

  14. hmmm
    October 31, 2012

    well done…

  15. Anonymous
    October 31, 2012

    Thumbs up! There are alot of Children of Dominicans excelling around the world.

  16. Dominican in antigua
    October 31, 2012

    God bless you somuch and i pray for the best for you in what you do it make me smile by just looking at you smiling in one of your pic keep it up and one love to you and all your family and friends

  17. jfingers
    October 31, 2012

    Well done girl…

  18. Dominican
    October 31, 2012

    Love this! Gave me the shivers. Positive stories to keep giving our youth hope.

    DREAM BIG!!

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