Family & Friends
"Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family."
~ Anthony Brandt
My very busy family consists of my Mother, Father and two old sisters. They are my rock and keep my grounded, without them, I don’t know where I would be. Through out my many phases and changes, they have been their supporting me and helping me make it through. I look up to all of them, and they are the biggest influence of the person I am today. My Father, Don McPhail, is a workhorse and does everything in his power to support “the girls.” Being the only male isn’t in the house isn’t easy, but it all even out when we ditched the toe picks for sticks and gloves. My Mother is the strongest woman I know to say the least. She is a three time Breast Cancer survivor and has her hand in any type of project you could think of. My oldest sister, Frances McPhail, is embarking on the end of her NCAA hockey career, just finishing up her senior year. She is a hardworking-determined individual, who completes any tasks in front of her no matter the obstacles. My second sister is older then me, but only by two minutes. That’s right! She is my twin, but before you jump to conclusion, we are fraternal and complete opposites. Jennifer McPhail, or “foofer” the name I gave her as a young child unable to speak properly yet., is a unique individual. She is one who chooses to beat to her own drum, but can outsmart anyone on any given day. Outside of these core members, I have family across the country. My mother’s side is out in Vancouver while my Dad’s side is in Ontario.
Dad is the head of the household, being the only man standing. He has the task of dealing with four girls on a daily basis and has become an expert at it by now. No matter the issue my dad is always there supporting me and helping me along. He can read any person like a book and has a strong understanding on life. He always has the right thing to say no matter the situation and is able to relate anything to hockey! I am one of those individual that needs a little push to try new things, and i'm not the easiest person to deal 
with when i don't want to do something. My dad always steps up to my attitude and pushes me to try new things, i usually end up enjoying the new experience, so without him i would live a dull life. I have him to thank for where i am today, for without him i would have never tried hockey and most of everything in my life. I hope one day i can be half the motivator my Dad is to not only myself but others around him. My father has made his own in the business world and doesn't get enough credit for all the hard work he puts in at the office. He is the behind the shadows guy, but his acccomplishments impact our family to a great extent.
Mom is the strongest person i know by far. Not to be fooled by her small frame, she packs a punch. She is the women tellimarketers regret calling, especially if they are intrerrupting family dinner. My mother has survived Breast Cancer three times, and is a strong example of a women who never gives up. She has take
n the time to form special relationships with each one of her girls and knows exactly what everyone likes in the family. There is nothing this women can't do, and if you present her with a challenge she won't give up until she has solved it, she's the handy man of the household. When she tells me stories i feel as though there is nothing she hasn't done. she was a national champion for figure skating, went scuba diving, worked in Alaska, and plays hockey just like her girls. Without my mother i would not have accomplished half of what i have today, just like my father she puts up with attitudes and pushes me to try new things.
Frances is the oldest of the siblings and has been faced with most of anything before my twin and i have experienced it. In other words she has to go through the trial and error and set the example for my sister and i. She is finishing off her senior year of university at Niagara University. At school she has been a member 
and captain of the women's hockey team. She has spent most of her life proving people wrong especially in hockey. Once known has "clear the trial McPhail" she has accomplished alot in her life especially in the hocke world. If you ask her what she plans to do after school, prepare yourself for a whirlwind of answers cause it changes everyday if not by the hour. I have no doubt in my mind she will do something she loves and be successful at it.
Jennifer my older sister and twin by two minutues! She goes by the name Foofer in the family, but has outgrown the name so i won't be caught calling her that on her off day. If there is one person you want to stay out of their way if they are tired or hungry it's Jenny. Just like my mom and most of the girls in the McPhail famliy she packs a mean punch. Besides that, she is very talented in the threater and acting world. She has dipped her toes in singing, dancing, and acting. Though drama is her true calling she has paid her dues being an athlete. She was a figure skater and if you asked her "forced" into being a hockey goalie. She like others in my family, can accomplish anything you put her mind too. Her biggest defense is her high vocabulary and smarts that dummy anyone on any give day, especially me! She is truely a unique individual who beats to her own drum to say the least, but has the biggest heart out of anyone i know. My twin but my complete opposite at the same time.
As I have moved from place to place, I have gathered a group of close friends that act as my second family. During hockey season, I spend every single day with 23 unique ladies, all in their each way. However, if I am not currently living with them, they are down or across the all from me. We all live on the same floor, whenever I need anything my friends are always there to lend a hand. I also have a great group of friends back home, and back west who I have been separated from due to my choice in school, however support me in their own way.
Lindy Mitchell, is my stallmate, suitemate, and bestfriend! we met only last year as weeeee little freshmen but spent most of everyday with eachother. She is the first person i turn to when i am having issue with anything, like when i couldn't drive or tie my own hair back after surgery, she was my left arm and helped me out. We are at are best when we are in Fonda running errands and Mitch is in charge of the music. Shes one of those girls you are glad she is on your side for sports or any kind of issue. We like to hang out at the beach!
