More than an Olympian…

About Larissa Franklin

Larissa Franklin grew up in Maple Ridge, BC, but her impact has traveled far beyond her hometown. Whether sprinting around the bases, coaching on the field, or keynoting on a stage, Larissa brings a unique mix of high-performance focus and contagious fun. She’s proof that you can be serious about your goals without taking yourself too seriously.

During the wild ride to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—through a pandemic, a postponement, and years of grit—Larissa kept her team laughing with her now-legendary “Fake Training” videos. Think pool noodle workouts and synchronized stretching. It was her way of turning pressure into play, showing that joy and excellence can go hand in hand.

She’s part of a generation of athletes who waited over a decade for softball’s Olympic return. Through injuries, burnout, and uncertainty, Larissa stayed the course—powered by heart, hustle, and a whole lot of perspective.

Then came 2025. An aggressive lymphoma diagnosis could’ve sidelined her—but Larissa showed up, trained when she could, rested when she needed, and never lost her spark. Just three days before Team Canada’s training camp, she got the news: remission. And yes, she was back on the field, stronger than ever.

Now, Larissa’s mission is to pass that “All It Takes” mindset on to the next generation. She coaches and mentors youth to chase their passions, embrace their quirks, and show up fully—on the field and in life. And when she’s not doing all that? She’s probably saying yes to a new adventure, eating a bowl of cereal or laughing with friends and family.