GLORIA GOUTHREAU

Gloria’s commitment to sport began in her teenage years, helping her father organize minor hockey and Little League baseball. From those early days of volunteering, she built a legacy rooted in service, leadership and community spirit.

Her journey in softball began in 1976, shortly after the founding of the Lethbridge Minor Softball Association, where she quickly became a key organizer and coach. In 1983, she co-founded the Lethbridge Softball Association, serving in numerous executive roles, including President, Vice President and Past President. Gloria played a pivotal role in the creation of Softball Valley, the jewel of Lethbridge softball, where she still serves as a Lifetime Board Member and continues to volunteer for every major event more than 40 years later.

At the Provincial level, Gloria has been the Zone 1 District Organizer for Softball Alberta since 1987, an incredible 39 years of continuous service. In that time, she has worked alongside 5 Executive Directors, 8 Presidents and 5 Umpire-in-Chiefs, serving as a trusted leader and constant through generations of change. She has coordinated Zone playoffs, Summer Games, Provincial, Western and Canadian Championships while often volunteering at Softball Alberta casinos and fundraising events to ensure the sport’s financial sustainability.

Her dedication has also taken her across borders. Gloria was part of the 1998 Host Committee when a team from Hokkaido, Japan visited Alberta in the Alberta–Hokkaido Softball Exchange. She was then selected as one of Alberta’s representatives in the 2018 Hokkaido Exchange, traveling with the team throughout Japan, building global connections through the game.

Beyond softball, Gloria’s reach touches broomball, curling, hockey and multi-sport events across Alberta. In 1997 she was inducted in the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame and in 2014 she was inducted to the Broomball Canada Hall of Fame. She has sat on organizing committees for events such as:

• 1986, 2013, 2014, & 2018 Men’s & Women’s Slo-Pitch Canadian Championships
• 1987 Scotties Tournament of Hearts
• 1994 Canadian Broomball Championships
• 1995 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay (Torch Bearer)

Beyond the titles, medals and committees, Gloria has been a mentor, friend and inspiration to athletes, coaches and volunteers alike. From presenting medals to young athletes who now serve the game themselves, to her quiet, behind-the-scenes dedication that ensures every event runs smoothly, Gloria embodies the very soul of volunteerism.

Her tireless efforts, generous spirit and decades of service have made an indelible mark on our sport. She hasn’t just built softball programs, she’s built communities.

Inducted as a Sport Builder in 2025