Nik Goncin’s wheelchair basketball journey is full of lessons.
The most important one.
Teamwork.
“You can’t do it alone,” said Goncin. “We play a team sport and most of life is in a team atmosphere. Colleagues – that’s your team. Family – that’s your team. Basketball – we have our team.
“If you don’t accept or give help to your team, that team will not succeed and reach the potential it should. I’ve learned to look at things more in an unselfish way.”
In 2008, the Regina native discovered the sport through a clinic at his high school. It wasn’t long before Goncin was representing Saskatchewan and picking up accolades for his dynamic offensive play.
The 29-year-old’s senior national team debut came in 2013 and led to a spot on the Canadian Paralympic wheelchair basketball team for the Rio 2016 Games.
As one of the veteran leaders of Team Canada, Goncin’s focus shifts to the next generation of talent.
“[It’s about] giving more than you’re getting,” said Goncin. “If I’m not spending time with guys who have less experience, and that goes for everyone, then I don’t think we’ll fulfill our potential.
“That realization has happened in the last few years especially with the pandemic.”
Goncin’s maturation as a player could also be attributed to a new life adventure off the court.
“I got married three years ago and I think I’ve learned more from that experience than anything else [in life]. Marriage has single handily changed the way I communicate with people. It’s given me more of an emotional intelligence and made me realize that the way I speak to my teammates, other people and my wife is going to be different each time.
“Marriage is not a one-person thing, you have to have balance.”
With Team Canada set to compete at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in August, Goncin is eager for a return to competition.
“I think we’re in a good spot to fulfill our potential as a team. We’ve gotten significantly closer, and I have big things planned.”