The Journey

     Throughout my time in the paintball community, I have met some incredible people and amazing athletes. One of the things I have valued the most about this community is the unique mix of characters - people from every walk of life - brought together by a sport they love. I have had the pleasure of meeting and sharing in the paintball journeys of many throughout my time on the sidelines. I have watched players with potential in CX4 move up through the ranks to stand proudly on the MXL and CXBL fields. I have seen top CXBL athletes battle at the top of their bracket for years on end fighting for those beloved and coveted rings. Finally, I have watched many athletes - after years of battle - walk away from the sport that they have loved since they first fired a marker.

    Last season, I proudly witnessed my husband and many of the top Canadian CXBL athletes (whom I also now call family) alongside the professional talent of some incredible Damage and Ironmen athletes - win the NAX championship. This was a moment these Canadian men have sought after throughout their entire paintball careers. No one has worked harder or poured as much passion, sweat, and yes- money into Canadian paintball as them. To say they were deserving of the title is a massive understatement. The Canadian Xball league would not be what it is without these legends of the sport who literally paved the way for all of you who now seek the same glory. And yet, as well-earned and well-deserved as this victory was, I couldn't help but feel saddened.

     My sadness stemmed from the fact that I felt this win signaled a sort of goodbye to competitive Canadian athletes in the CXBL Elite. I'm sure many of you will disagree, but in my eyes, the gap in skill between our top Canadian talent and that of the pros coming up from the US, has widened significantly over the last few years. Few Elite teams this past season even had a complete line of Canadian players - and of those who did, even less were able to maintain a competitive edge in their division. While there is no question that Canadian paintball is as alive as ever, the issue has now become - can we continue to compete against the professional talent from the south who have more practice time and less cost associated with the sport? I admittedly have my doubts.

     A few years back, I could confidently say that I knew strong Canadian players on EVERY team in the CXBL division. Where have they gone? Some have accepted triumph or defeat and changed their focus to excelling in other areas of their lives. Others have taken a less competitive approach and gone back to playing for fun in a more relaxed MXL-team environment. And yes, a handful are still to be found within the Elite division - most now battling alongside the pros rather than against them. We have given up our CXBL field - handed it over to whoever has the most money to bring in the best talent.

     I will forever be a supporter, friend, and fan to all of the Canadian paintballers out there. From CX4 to CXBL Elite, many of you are the most passionate, dedicated, hardworking group of athletes that I believe any sport has known. You pour your heart and soul and hard-earned finances into this sport and you have made a hobby into a culture and a massive community into a family. While the USA may have more opportunities, and better sponsorship for paintballers, Canada has the legendary spirit that makes Xball what it is. We have what it takes to reclaim our field. The question is, will you do it?

     As you seek to answer that question with action on the field, I will no longer be writing as "the paintball wife". Like many in my paintball family, it is time for me to refocus my energy in other areas of life. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and encouragement as I have endeavored to capture the essence of your sport in writing over the last two seasons. I need to extend an especially big thank you to all who interviewed with me and helped to share this blog as you are the reason it came alive. Outside the Mesh was a greater success than I could have ever anticipated - having nearly 20, 000 views in two seasons of sport. I am honoured and humbled even as I write that down.

     Those of you who have loyally followed the blog, engaged me in debates and discussions at the field, and shared your questions and comments with me have truly made me appreciate and value this community even more than I did originally. Please continue to make Xball a legendary game filled with Canadian spirit. Take time to invest in the players beside you and behind you. Continue to build this community. After all, I think we all know that sport - as life- is about the journey.

Much love as I sign off for a final time,

The Paintball Wife