Jolene Campbell's Triumphant Return to the Scotties After a Decade
After a ten-year hiatus from skipping at the national level, Jolene Campbell has secured her place as the skip for Team Saskatchewan at the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. This marks a significant milestone in her curling career, following a hard-fought victory in the provincial championship earlier this month.
A Decade of Persistence and Hard Work
Campbell's journey back to the Scotties has been characterized by perseverance and dedication. In the final game of the Saskatchewan women's curling championship in Melville, her Regina squad narrowly defeated Jana Tisdale's rink with a score of 4-3. This win represents Campbell's first provincial title since 2016, ending a long drought and fulfilling years of effort.
Reflecting on the achievement, Campbell expressed pure joy, stating, "It's been a grind obviously being in that game a few times and being on the other side of it." She emphasized the extensive commitment involved, noting that it encompasses not just the week of provincials but countless hours in the gym, at the rink, planning, seeking sponsors, balancing family life, and managing work responsibilities.
Team Saskatchewan's Lineup and Preparation
Joining Campbell on this national stage are third Robyn Silvernagle, second Rachel Big Eagle, lead Dayna Demmans, alternate Callan Hamon, and coach Ben Gamble. The team recently celebrated their sendoff at the Highland Curling Club in Regina, where Campbell acknowledged the recognition of a decade's hard work in that moment.
This will be Campbell's sixth career appearance at the Scotties, but only her second as a skip. Her previous experiences include going as an alternate for Amber Holland's team from 2010 to 2012, which won gold in 2011, and appearing in 2022 as a third with Chelsea Carey's Regina-based team, where she earned a wild card berth after a loss in the provincial final.
Overcoming Past Challenges and Setbacks
Campbell's path has not been without obstacles. She has faced disappointment in provincial finals multiple times, including a narrow 8-7 loss to Nancy Martin last year after a strong 7-1 round robin record and a win in the page playoff game. These setbacks, however, have only fueled her determination to return and succeed.
She remarked, "I've been on the losing end of that final game three times. And it's tough. It's a tough one to lose. It definitely makes you want to get back there and do it again." Last year, in particular, she felt well-prepared, with everything in place, but fell short in the final game, driving her to enter this year's Bunge Prairie Pinnacle with unfinished business.
Looking Ahead to the National Championship
As the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts kicks off in Mississauga, Ontario, Campbell and her team are poised to represent Saskatchewan with pride and skill. Her background includes a Canadian mixed curling championship win in 2015 as a third with Max Kirkpatrick's Swift Current rink, adding to her competitive resume.
This return to the Scotties symbolizes not just a personal victory for Campbell but a testament to the resilience and passion inherent in the sport of curling. Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate her performance on the national stage, as she aims to translate years of hard work into success at the tournament.
