At Aforza, pride in our players runs deep—but when Jeff and Karen Spiers speak about their daughter, Kerrigan, their admiration shines with a special light. “She works her damn butt off,” Karen says with a smile. “And she always brings intensity and professionalism to every practice.” Although Aforza is her family’s business, Kerrigan has earned every accolade and achievement on her own terms—and in the process, she’s become a shining example of what it means to be part of the Aforza community.
Now, as one of this year’s four graduating Academy athletes, Kerrigan is preparing to take her next big step: signing a tennis scholarship to Carson-Newman University in Tennessee. Her journey to this milestone has been anything but conventional, marked by early setbacks, relentless perseverance and finding strength in her community.
A path paved in resilience
Kerrigan’s story in sports began early. As a young gymnast, she was focused, joyful and determined—until illness at age 7 forced her to take a step back. After a tough fall during practice, she left gymnastics behind and spent years exploring everything from flag football and drama to soccer and music. Nothing quite clicked.
That changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With schools closed and activities paused, Kerrigan began hitting tennis balls with her dad just to get outside. What started as playful rallies slowly turned into structured training sessions. A spark ignited. “Eventually we started training,” she recalls, “and I developed my love for the sport.”
But her challenges weren’t only physical. Diagnosed with severe dyslexia in Grade 3, Kerrigan had to switch schools multiple times. When she arrived at Calgary’s Dr. Oakley School in Grade 5, she was reading at a pre-K level. Within two years, she was reading at grade level—with the school’s support, seven years of learning crammed into two, achieved through sheer determination.
“Nearly every night for two years, she’d bring books to me and say, ‘Okay Mom, it’s time for my reading,’” Karen remembers. “She was relentless. That drive she has now? It’s always been there.”
Standing out on and off the court
Once she fully committed to tennis at age 14, she gave it everything, and Kerrigan quickly began making her mark. She became a certified instructor at just 16 through the Inspire Through Sport program and set herself apart as a role model, particularly for younger girls entering the sport.
Among her notable accomplishments:
But it’s not just the accolades that define Kerrigan—it’s her attitude.
“She’s one of the most disciplined players I’ve ever worked with,” says her father, Jeff. “She doesn’t know how to quit. Even when outmatched, she fights to the end and makes her opponents earn every point.”
Matched with her fierce grit—she’d rather sit on a court for hours than lose a first match point—that keen sense of discipline has taught Kerrigan how to succeed. “Only you know what your limits are,” she says. “Coaches can’t push you to do your best. Only you can.”
Her tennis philosophy: “Tennis isn’t a timed sport—so make it last as long as possible.”
The heart of Aforza
Kerrigan’s growth has mirrored the values Aforza holds dear. She’s not just a competitor—she’s a leader, a mentor and a cornerstone of the community.
“It’s been a joy watching her grow,” says Doug Kozak, Aforza’s front desk manager. “She’s someone the younger athletes and staff look up to. When she stepped into a coaching role for our ABCs program, one of the little girls asked, ‘Can Kerrigan coach me forever?’ That’s the kind of presence she brings.”
She’s also been a standout in Aforza’s Elite Fitness program, where her energy and example helped set the tone for fellow athletes. “She always brought warmth and friendliness to the club,” Doug adds, “consistently showing kindness and quiet leadership.”
Whether it’s sharing chocolate with friends after Friday night sessions, partnering with younger players to help them feel welcome or being the first one on the court and the last to leave, Kerrigan embodies the spirit of Aforza.
Looking ahead
As she heads off to Tennessee, Kerrigan leaves behind a legacy at Aforza—not just as a top player, but as someone who worked tirelessly for every inch of progress.
When asked about her biggest influence, she doesn’t hesitate: “My dad. He’s patient with me, even when I’m a brat on court. He’s been through it himself, so he teaches me from experience. He inspires me to be better, on and off the court.”
And while she jokes about liking tennis because she gets “all the glory” in a solo sport, there’s no doubt Kerrigan knows her journey has been shaped by her community.
With her fierce grit, sense of humour and heartfelt connection to her community, she carries with her the values that Aforza helped cultivate: resilience, compassion, dedication and joy.
“I’m super excited to start this new chapter in my life,” she says. “But Aforza will always be my home.”
As Kerrigan takes the next step in her tennis journey, the pride Jeff and Karen feel is shared by the entire Aforza community. Her future is bright—and it’s clear she’s only just getting started. We wish you all the best, Kerrigan!
Learn more about Kerrigan and our amazing alumni.
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