Red Lake Inspiration: Coach and Community Leader Renee Bausch Empowers Others Through Passion and Dedication

  • January 15, 2025

CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – January 2025

I believe in giving back – there’s no greater award than knowing you’re there to help others

By David Grossman

Former civil rights activist and clergyman Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., once said that “life’s most persistent and urgent question is – ‘What are you doing for others?’”

You might want to ponder that a bit.

Renée (Pellerin) Bausch doesn’t need very long to answer. She’s captured the hopes of others with her loyalty, dedication and an obsession that brings enjoyment.

Glance through her life history and it’s quite evident that this remarkable woman seems to have been appearing almost everywhere – especially when there has been a need for a warm-hearted and loving individual to pitch in.

For Bausch, home for her and family is the community of Red Lake. It’s a picturesque and pristine part of Ontario with about 5,000 people. Folks have another way of describing the municipality as the place where highway 105 ends – and forests take over. Winnipeg is about a six-hour drive southwest.

Living there can be a challenge – especially if you’re used to the hustle of a large metropolis. For many, though, they see the small-town hospitality to be one of serenity basking in a rich heritage, and a beautiful place to live with a lifestyle that can be the opposite of stressful.

In Red Lake, there is always a need for people with versatility, talent, creativity and that gung-ho attitude. No surprise is finding out that residents have an abundance of inspiration and desire – especially when it relates to assisting others in the community.

Yes, that’s Bausch.

Sudbury was where she spent a good chunk of her younger years, focussing on a career in the world of marine biology. Strong in academics, and an admirer of outdoor life, the initial goal was a diploma in Fish and Wildlife Technology from Sir Sanford Fleming College in Lindsay. She would later add a degree in Marine and Fresh Water Biology from the University of Guelph.

While fishing has been a huge way of life in northwestern Ontario, for Bausch – her line of corporate work became that of an Environmental Advisor for a mining company. Yet, there’s quite a bit more that keeps this woman active, popular and respected in a district that has been her home for some 20 years.

“I believe in giving back – there’s no greater award than knowing you’re there to help others,” said Bausch, who along with her husband, are parents to a 14-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. “A variety of jobs keeps me busy, involved and contributing to a community that might not have all the resources you find in a big city.”

To be more concise, when Bausch’s career job draws to a close, you’ll find her shuffling off to her second home. It’s the Evolution Recreation Centre – a multi-purpose facility that also accommodates a curling rink, bowling alley, and 25-metres swimming pool.

For Bausch, who just might be one of the more popular citizens in town, her after hour duties change to the role of lifeguard. There’s also the huge responsibility associated with coaching at a gymnastics club.

Bausch will tell you that she is an avid swimmer. However, her priority just might be strengthening the skills of six-to-15-year-old girls through a dynamic range of programs offered by the Red Lake District Mat Cats Gymnastic Club.

One parent of a youngster learning from Bausch had these glowing words to say about Bausch.

“(Renee) stands out as an exceptional coach for many reasons,” said the admirer. “She has shown unwavering dedication to her gymnastics …. When a fellow coach was sidelined by a freak accident, (Renee’s) compassion shone through as she visited his home and ensured (that) he remained an integral part of the Mat Cats gymnastics family”.

As for her views on mentoring and leadership, she understands the importance of both. Same for her husband who is a basketball coach and a high school teacher. Observers of her coaching life, see her as a humanitarian – an individual who is always expressing concern for others while emphasizing ways to improve people’s lives.

“I remain grateful to the teachers and coaches who guided me over the years,” said Bausch, who has an amiable and good-humored personality. “I’m very lucky, have lots of support and have a great rapport. I don’t always have all the answers, but what I do possess is an eagerness to always find ways to help.”

Finding a balance can be demanding because Bausch loves to work. She thrives on learning and cultivating the skills of others – but also has a major responsibility to her family.

The Coaches Association of Ontario – through the series “Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench” – continue to put the spotlight on individuals who emphasize the important combination of strong coaching fundamentals of improvement, guidance, and training.

That, perfectly, describes Bausch who was the recipient of a 2024 Ontario Coaching Excellence Award, presented in partnership with Hydro One. She has worked with the gymnastics club for the past six years, and has taken on the role of Facility Coordinator, contributing significantly to the club’s operations.

“People count on me – and I have to arrange my schedule, so I am there for everyone,” said Bausch, who has credentials from the National Coaching Certification Program. “I don’t like saying no – especially, when I see that what I do makes others happy.”

Her history goes from the playing surface to the hills. She has coached soccer and cross-country skiing. Bausch was even instrumental in bringing a children’s theatrical series to the Red Lake community. When there’s a gap in the gymnastics program, Bausch likes to gather her young athletes for a discussion on the benefits of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

“I have heard some people refer to me as a game-changer as it pertains to a positive influence on others,” said Bausch, who thrives on motivation, communication and compassion. “I’m just doing what is needed to make people better – and it’s something I thoroughly enjoy.”

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series and founder of a children’s charity, just might have the perfect quote that symbolizes Bausch.

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

-END-

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.

I don’t always have all the answers, but what I do possess is an eagerness to
always find ways to help.”