Three years ago, Logan Tanner was catching pop flies in the outfield at the 2022 Canada Summer Games as a player for Team Manitoba. Now in St. John’s, he’s back - but as a coach for our men’s softball team.

“Fun, amazing. Yeah, it was nice to meet a lot of new people,” he says of his Games experience.

Tanner’s transition from player to coach is a story shared by many Canada Games alumni — a natural way to stay connected to high-performance sport and give back to the next generation.

“I was talking with Leroy (Muswaggon) forever since Niagara about coaching because I always wanted to get into it,” Tanner says. “He put my name in and next thing you know, we're here.”

Logan’s coaching experience began close to home in Brandon, where he’s been coaching the U17 Westman Magic AAA program with his cousin and uncle for the past two years. The move to Canada Games coaching was a big step — but one he was ready for.

“I just thought it'd be fun. I went around, played in the ISC (International Softball Congress) and stuff like that, so I have a familiarity of what to expect, and I just wanted to give all the teachings that I've been taught to other people.”

He credits mentors like Leroy and his own ball-playing family for shaping his path. “We're a big ball family back home.”

Reflecting on his own experience in Niagara, Tanner recalled one very important lesson he shares with his players now.

“I gave them a heads up on how I thought I was the best player and then coming here and realizing that there's a lot more better talent out there.”

The keys to his coaching are really simple, but deeply valuable - especially from someone who played where his athletes are playing in these moments four short years ago.

“Just enjoy the moment. And not have a big head, you know. And most of all have fun,” he says. “I always told them you're in St. John's at these Games. A lot of you guys probably won't be coming back, enjoy the experience.”

Still, he’s proud of where his team stands — and of the full-circle moment that brought him back to the Games.

“It’s just like a nice experience to come down here and see where they're at, like, all the boys are hitting, they know they can compete here.”

‍