Background:
Daphné has been a top kata athlete in Canada, and a member of the National Team roster, since 2004 – first as a junior before advancing into the senior ranks inn 2007. The National Team captain on the junior squad in 2008 and 2009, she was also named to the leadership position in 2023 and 2024. Playing a leadership role in the community has always been important to Daphné. She has been part of Karate Canada’s Athletes Council since its inception in 2019, bringing the athlete voice to all decision making in the national sport organization.

Growing up trying many sports, Daphné didn’t want to focus on mainstream sports like swimming, diving and dance classes so she chose karate. She admittedly hated going to classes on Saturday mornings, but recognizing her parents investment in the sport and her choice to do it, she fulfilled her promise. It was after the first three months of her first course when there was an exam and the Sensei advised Daphné that once she completed her first belt, she’d start learning more complex techniques and katas, and start fighting. It was then she convinced her parents to allow her to complete the exam and continue on. Now 25 years later, Daphné is proof to never give up.

She has gone on to represent Canada at the elite level, representing the country at major international competitions including World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Daphné is equally talented off the Tatami. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications, and a Business Management certificate. She works as a Digital Strategy Consultant both for an agency and on a freelance basis. She is now aiming for a certificate in AI. She loves to read and usually has two books on the go at the same time: one for personal development, and one fiction/non-fiction. When she transitions out of sport, Daphné hopes to bring the experiences gained into her professional life through mentorship, coaching or just working within the sport industry.

Did You Know… Daphné’s hero is Serena Williams for the longevity of her dominance in the sport, and her work ethic…She comes from a large family with five siblings (four sisters and one brother)…If Daphné wasn’t competing, she believes she’d be coaching or advocating for the value of sport…She loves to compete at the Paris Open and at home…her most memorable competitive moment was stepping onto the international Tatami for the first time in the finals of the age 16-17 category at the Junior Pan American Championships – escorted to the ring with loud music and cheering, sending a rush of emotions her way.

Career Highlights:
On National Team roster since 2004 (senior member since 2007)
2024 Senior Pan American Championships: 5
2023 Senior Pan American Championships: 5
2016 Senior Pan American Championships: bronze (team)
2009 Senior Pan American Championships: bronze (team)
2022 Commonwealth Games: silver
2008 Commonwealth Games Champion
Junior Pan American Championships (one silver, three bronze)