As we wrap up the 2026 U.S. Junior Mixed Doubles National Championship, I find myself reflecting on what we just experienced together, and feeling incredibly proud of this club. This was more than just hosting a national championship. It was an opportunity to showcase who we are.

By the Sunday finals, I found myself watching Sheet 2 and thinking I couldn’t distinguish what I was seeing there from what I watch on Peacock during the Olympics. It was that good.

On the ice for the gold and bronze medal games were six athletes who had just returned from Junior Worlds, where Team USA brought home gold on the men’s side and a fourth-place finish for the women. I have been a member of this club for decades, and I can honestly say this ice has never seen curling like that before.

I want to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to our ice crew, led by Phil Bruce. You put in extraordinary hours—arriving before dawn, scraping between every match, and delivering ice that I can say without hesitation has never looked better.

I also want to extend a very special thank you to Elizabeth Abeltin, our Event Chair, along with her incredible committee for their months of thoughtful leadership and behind-the-scenes work.

To our volunteers—timers, hosts, bartenders, hospitality, and everyone who stepped in wherever needed—thank you. And to everyone who came down to watch, cheer, ring cowbells, hold signs, and fill the seats in the warm room—you created an atmosphere these athletes will remember for a long time.

Before the competition began, I had the opportunity to speak to the juniors. I told them that, back in the 1900s, I had competed at Nationals as a junior curler. While I wished them more success than I had, I shared that I deeply cherish those memories.

It’s why, when Phil Bruce and Elizabeth Abeltin, our USA Curling representatives, brought forward the opportunity for us to host this event, I pushed for us to take it on.

What I didn’t fully understand as a junior—and what I understand so clearly now—is how much effort goes into making an event like this possible.

I told them that what I hoped they could feel is that all of the effort that goes into an event like this—from the host club, the officials, the coaches, and the parents—represents something more than volunteer hours and sacrifice.

It represents love.

Love of the sport.
Love of the community.
Love of our greater curling family.

This weekend, I think they felt it.

And I hope each of you feels it too.

We were honored to be part of these athletes’ journeys—and we won’t have to wait long to cheer them on again.

Ella Wendling and Benji Paral will go on to represent the United States at the World Junior Mixed Doubles Championship in Edmonton from May 5–10.  I know we will be watching and cheering them on with a special sense of pride.

Thank you all.

With gratitude,
Matina