The Windsor Lancers are deeply saddened by the passing of Denise Hebert, a longtime throws coach whose influence on track and field in Windsor and across Canada spanned more than three decades.
 
If a local athlete found success in the shot put, discus, javelin, or hammer over the last 30 years, there is a strong chance Denise Hebert played a role in their development. Her impact extended far beyond the thrower's circle, shaping not only elite athletes, but confident, resilient people.
 
For more than two decades, Hebert served multiple tenures as the throws coach for the University of Windsor Lancers track and field program.
 
During that time, the Lancers enjoyed remarkable success, winning multiple Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) team championships with both the men's and women's teams. Hebert coached seven individual CIS all-Canadians and was a valued member of the coaching staff for countless OUA and national championship teams.
 
Former Lancer, and Canadian national team member, Jamie Adjetey-Nelson shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing, "I'm not the athlete, husband or father am I without Denise. Denise was part of my foundation of track and field. She was also a teacher at my high school. One of the few I didn't want to disappoint. She provided me with opportunity and made me know I could be great."
 
Following an outstanding high school and collegiate career, Hebert devoted her life to coaching and teaching others. A Windsor native, she served on Team Canada's coaching staff at numerous international competitions, mentoring more than 25 athletes on the world stage. Her international coaching résumé included the IAAF World Youth Championships (2003), IAAF World Junior Championships (2000, 2004, 2008, 2013), Pan American Junior Championships (2001, 2005, 2011), and the World University Games (2001).
 
Provincially, Hebert coached Team Ontario athletes at four Canadian Youth Championships (2001, 2008, 2013, 2017) as well as the 2005 Canada Games, further cementing her reputation as one of the country's most respected throws coaches.
 
Hebert spent over 30 years as a dedicated educator with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. She coached multiple sports, including volleyball, basketball, swimming, and track and field, and captured two Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships as a coach with the St. Joseph's senior boys' track and field team.
 
Her own athletic career was equally distinguished. Before attending the University of Oklahoma and the University of Windsor, Hebert starred at Assumption College High School, where she earned nine OFSAA medals (one gold, three silver, and five bronze).
 
Competing for the South Windsor Knights of Columbus, she was a dominant force nationally, winning the 1978 Canadian midget age-group championships in shot put, discus, and javelin, and the 1980 Canadian youth age-group championship in javelin.
Tributes from former athletes reflect the deep personal impact Hebert had on those she coached.
 
Denise Hebert's passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her athletes left an indelible mark on the Lancer family and the broader track and field community. She will be remembered for the lives she touched, the excellence she inspired, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.