Written by Jarron Mueller 

CALGARY, AB - A total of 17 Mount Royal student-athletes across all four sports completed their Cougars careers this season. These graduates dedicated an incredible amount of time into both the classroom and training, setting the bar higher for those who will follow in their footsteps. The 2020 class of Cougars graduates had a significant impact on their teammates, coaches, staff and community that will always be remembered. Conversely, the graduates will always look back on their Mount Royal experience with great appreciation.

Women's Hockey Captain Daria O'Neill transferred to Mount Royal for her final two years of eligibility, after three years playing in the NCAA.

"Although my time with the Cougars was short, it was by far the most memorable two years of my hockey career and I wish there could have been more. I think I spent the whole two years smiling and laughing, and that says a lot about the people I was lucky enough to spend my time with. The memories and friendships I've made here will truly stick with me for the rest of my life," O'Neill expressed. "Y'all are for sure coming to my wedding."

This sense of belonging was also shared by fifth-year Men's Volleyball player Trent Mounter who came to Calgary from Perth, Australia. 

"The sense of unity and family in the CAR [Cougars Athletics and Recreation] department is something that I will hold onto", says Mounter. "The Cougars gave me the chance to not only experience post secondary education, but to experience a greater portion of the country in itself by playing teams across [Canada]."

Through their time at Mount Royal, student-athletes developed lifelong connections and relationships that go beyond sport.

Connor Rankin, from the Men's Hockey team, explains, "Showing up at the rink was the best part of my day, everyday. The bond we had is something I never took for granted and something that I will miss every single day."

Men's Basketball's lone fifth year Quinn Taylor says his experience is, "pretty tough to put into words, but I know I've made memories and friends that will last a lifetime. I will for sure never forget my time as a Cougar. Just being part of a team and doing everything together with the guys." 

Charity Marlatt, Women's Basketball forward, expanded by commenting on the impact her time at Mount Royal had on her personally. "Basketball taught me so much about myself," she said. "It taught me how to be motivated, driven... what my strengths and weaknesses are, and... the importance of every single role on a team. It taught me how strong people are, and it taught me that I am strong." 

Marlatt was not the only graduate to reflect on personal growth, as Women's Volleyball outside hitter Chantel Park also commented on how she has grown during her five years as a Cougar.

"Throughout my time with the Cougars I have grown into a better volleyball player than I could have ever imagined, but I have also grown as a person. I have learned discipline, leadership, and dedication. When you play for the Cougars you become something bigger than yourself, you become part of a family and I am so grateful for this family," said Park. 

Not all student-athlete experiences are smooth. Men's Soccer defender Trevor MacPhee reflected on the obstacles and challenges he faced.

"I would describe my time as a Cougar as a battle," said MacPhee, who started his time at Mount Royal with two strong years, but then was forced to take a break. Upon his return two years later, adversity struck again as he suffered a serious concussion which limited his play that year, but he never gave up.

"As time went on, I was getting stronger and kept fighting to be in a starting spot again, but was not the same player. In my final season, after endless hard work on my own, I was able to put aside all the downfalls and work to help lead the team in fighting towards our best season ever!"

MacPhee's resiliency ended with the Men's Soccer team winning a Canada West Bronze medal which was the first for any Mount Royal varsity program since joining the University ranks. 

Believe it or not, there are some things that the graduates are happy to leave behind. O'Neill says, "I most certainly will not miss 6:30 AM Thursday morning practices... and trying to contort my body into a comfortable position so I can sleep on a nine hour bus ride."

Rankin added, "Stressing and cramming for exams were never fun. But... I feel that as a team we were in it together. So at the same time, it was fun to grind with the guys."

Some fitness tests and drills also leave seniors happy knowing they don't have to do them ever again. These included the Women's Basketball "yo-yo test" mentioned by Marlatt and the "beep test" that O'Neill claims their Sport and Conditioning Coach made them run seven times this past season. To the list Taylor added, "Coach Dobell's favorite drill half court one on one." But in reflection he said, "I'll probably still miss that."

Having gone through the adversity and achievement that comes with being a student-athlete, our graduates plan to continue supporting their teammates and Mount Royal as they become Cougars Alumni. 

Mounter looks forward to a new role with Men's Volleyball. "I will try to help out with practices and potentially become a source of knowledge for younger athletes who are following in the same path," he said. "Being able to educate newcomers to the program about the challenges and successes of being a MRU student-athlete will hopefully aid them in a successful career on and off the court."

"I will only be a quick drive up the highway," says Park who will be finishing her education degree at Red Deer College and is still dedicated to her team. "I will be supporting the Cougars at as many games that I can possibly attend and [will] probably be the loudest fan in the crowd!"

O'Neill shares Park's intentions, but in supporting Women's Hockey at the rink. "I for sure plan on being the loudest alumni in the stands cheering them on," she says.

The Women's Hockey graduating Captain also expressed interest in being more than just a fan. O'Neill said, "I'd also love to come back and help coach someday if the opportunity presents itself. I believe in what it means to be a Cougar and I can't wait to watch the program continue to grow year after year."

She isn't the only one hoping to transition into a coaching role. Marlatt will be on the Women's Basketball team staff next season. 

"I was fortunate enough to be invited to help out next year, and I am very grateful that I will still get to be part of the team," said Marlatt. "Even when I am not part of the team one day... I am going to be the #1 fan!"

The Director of Cougars Athletics and Recreation, Karla Karch, congratulates all graduating student-athletes on their time at Mount Royal. 

"We are tremendously proud of all of you in your academic and athletic accomplishments over your time with the Cougars," said Karch. "You have performed to the best of your abilities in all realms and now you enter the world as alumni for us. While our support will be in a different capacity for each of you, please know that we are always here for you. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar." 

Despite completing their academic year from home due to the pandemic, the Class of 2020 will never be forgotten. Similar to the ups and downs experienced during their career, this spring will be just another obstacle that these incredible student-athletes have overcome. Even though graduation events have been postponed, the Mount Royal community's pride in these graduates has not been. Congratulations graduates!