At the Manitoba Winter Games in Thompson, the curling rink is filled with nerves, excitement and proud parents in the stands. Among them is one of Canada’s most recognizable curling champions, Kerri Einarson, but this time, she’s not calling the shots from the hack. Instead, she’s wearing two hats: coach and mom.

For Einarson, who has represented Canada on the national stage, the perspective shift has been profound.

“I definitely find it way more stressful,” she laughs. “When I am curling, I am in control of it. But watching the kids grow into their own little athletes is a shift in focus.”

That shift is personal this year. Her twin daughters, Khloe and Karmyn, are competing with Team Eastman in their first provincial Winter Games, and their first visit to Thompson. Einarson says coaching them and watching their development has become one of the most rewarding chapters of her curling journey.

“I love coaching them and watching them grow with the sport.”

Having competed at the highest levels of the game, Einarson is intentional about the lessons she passes down… not just about technique, but about character.

“Embrace the moment and have fun,” she says. “You don’t get these opportunities that often, so enjoy the whole experience. Have fun with your friends, be a good leader, a good teammate and be respectful. These are good lessons.”

Balancing “coach” and “mom” during a major competition isn’t always easy.

“It is definitely tough, but I try not to be too hard,” she explains. “I listen to them and hear what they need to say. Sometimes they listen, sometimes they don’t, and that is okay. They will learn and grow with the games.”

She credits her husband Kyle for helping provide balance and support. “It’s a challenge being an athlete, coach and mom. But overall, it is pretty special.”

For Khloe and Karmyn, growing up watching their mom compete and coach at an elite level has made this moment even more meaningful.

“It feels good for us,” says Khloe. “It was hard to get here. We feel like we are playing like my mom is playing.”

Einarson proudly notes that they are the youngest team at the event. “It’s pretty special to see them play against some of the older girls with more experience.”

The twins say the Opening Ceremonies were a highlight. Einarson describes the experience as feeling like a “mini Olympics.”

For her daughters, it was unforgettable.

“I really liked being in the village and seeing the different sports,” they shared.

“This is our first time in Thompson.”

When it comes to advice that sticks, Khloe says her mom reminds her “not to get so down on yourself.” Karmyn adds, “Take your time, take some deep breaths and focus on the shot.”

And what’s it like having their mom at the Games?

“I see my mom as mom,” says Khloe with a smile. “But sometimes mom and sometimes coach.”

Looking ahead, the twins are already dreaming big. While neither hesitates when asked about future goals, they’re keeping it simple for now.

“I want to keep curling and stick with it,” says Khloe.

“I really like the sport,” adds Karmyn. “I can see myself going further.”

As for their mom, her goal for this week is clear: “We came up to be the best we can be and have fun.”

At these Games, medals matter, but memories, mentorship and family might just matter more.