Mya McDonald Embraces Dual Sport Challenge at Dakota College

Mya McDonald, a promising athlete from Strathclair, has committed to join the Dakota College at Bottineau Lumberjacks women’s hockey and softball teams in the fall of 2024. The 17-year-old, who has built a robust athletic resume during her high school years, is eager to take on the challenges that come with balancing collegiate sports and pursuing an Associate of Arts degree.

“I’m excited for the challenge,” McDonald stated. “I think it will still be fun. I’ve managed all these sports in high school, how hard could it be in another one?”

High School Achievements and Athletic Versatility

Currently a Grade 12 student at Strathclair Community School, McDonald has excelled in multiple sports, including curling, basketball, volleyball, badminton, track and field, and cross country. Her summer activities see her as a catcher and outfielder on the softball field, where she plays for Hamiota and the AA Westman Heat.

McDonald believes her diverse sporting experience contributes positively to her performance across different disciplines. “The physical and mental aspects of every game help each other,” she explained. “For example, my basketball endurance aids me in hockey, allowing me to support my teammates and maintain high spirits even when fatigued.”

From a young age, McDonald has been passionate about hockey, starting to skate at the age of three at the Strathclair Arena. She has played in various positions but found her strength as a blue-liner. “I like being both offensive and defensive,” she noted. “I only make an offensive rush if it’s a smart move.”

Support System and Leadership Role

McDonald credits her family, particularly her parents, Travis and Briana, for their unwavering support throughout her athletic journey. “They’ve really been my support system all along,” she said. “They drive me to all the places and funded me during my AAA year. It’s just getting me to all the tournaments and encouraging me to do better.”

This season, McDonald plays for the U18 A Hamiota Huskies in the Rural Manitoba Female Hockey League. The team currently leads the league with a record of 13 wins and 2 losses, having scored 63 goals while conceding only 22. McDonald has contributed significantly to the team’s success, recording six goals and 11 assists in 15 games, including two game-winning goals, while also serving as team captain.

“It means a lot to me that the girls voted for me to be captain,” she said. “I want to be a good leader and role model for them, helping everyone to have fun and work hard.”

McDonald’s aspirations of playing at the collegiate level began in Grade 9, where she first learned about opportunities available to her. A job fair in Brandon opened her eyes to the possibility of continuing her hockey career while pursuing education. “I realized, ‘Wait, I can play after school at a school?’” she recalled.

Commitment to Dakota College

The connection to Dakota College at Bottineau runs deeper than just athletics; her father’s cousin, Sheldon Rapley, also played there. McDonald visited the campus in September with teammates Brooke Facey and Alyshia McKinnon, both of whom are also committed to the college. “I liked how friendly everybody was,” she shared. “It felt like a nice little community.”

Her decision to join Dakota College was influenced by her teammates, who encouraged her to commit after they did. “It will be nice to have people I know down there with me,” McDonald expressed. “It brings a little bit of home with me.”

As she prepares for the transition, graduating high school remains a top priority. Dakota College’s head scout, Neil Franklin, has expressed enthusiasm about McDonald joining the program. He noted her abilities on both ends of the ice, stating, “She’s a very mobile defenceman who sees the ice well and leads by example.”

Looking ahead, McDonald is eager about the journey that awaits her. “I’m so excited,” she said. “I can’t wait to see where it takes me and where my life is going to go with it.”