For six years, Jamie Lalor has been a cornerstone of the Mount Royal University (MRU) women's basketball team. As a guard and team captain, her journey embodies resilience, leadership, and the spirit of what it means to be a Cougar.

Coming to MRU from Red Deer, Alberta, Lalor was eager to embrace the challenge of U SPORTS basketball—a realm few from her hometown had ventured into.

"I was excited to get a U SPORTS experience," Lalor says. "It was my only U SPORTS offer, so I was interested in seeing if I could play at this level. Coming from Red Deer, not a lot of people play at university, and I was looking to spread my wings. MRU felt like a community with its small class sizes, and I just jumped the gun. I haven't looked back in six years."

Like many first-year athletes, Lalor faced a steep learning curve upon joining the team.

"My first year was a culture shock," she recalls. "It felt like I was a chicken with my head cut off. The jump from high school to U SPORTS is massive. The girls I was playing against were stronger, bigger, faster. It was a big adjustment."

Her journey took an unexpected turn during her second year with the onset of the global pandemic. "We had small group sessions here and there, but it felt like every other week we were getting shut down," she shares. "It was weird trying to find ways to play basketball when we couldn't do much. But I'm grateful MRU found ways to keep us engaged."

By her third year, Lalor began to find her rhythm. "I started coming into my own as a player and figuring out my identity on the team," she explains. Her hard work paid off, and by the second semester of her second year of eligibility, she earned a starting role. "Every day at practice was a bloodbath, competing to keep that starting position."

Lalor's resilience was put to the test during what could have been her senior season. A torn ACL on opening weekend sidelined her for the entire year.

"It was tough, both physically and mentally," she says. "I debated playing on the torn ACL with a brace, but I eventually opted for surgery. The second half of the season was all about rehab and finding ways to stay connected with the team. It was a period of uncertainty, but it made me the person I am today."

Her injury also opened the door for an unexpected blessing—sharing her final season with her older sister, Hayley Lalor.

"Having Hayley here is the best thing ever," Jamie says with a smile. "We live together and play together. She's like a ray of sunshine for our team."

As a captain and President of the Cougars Athletic Board (CAB), Lalor takes pride in her leadership style.

"One of my biggest things is leading by example. If you want someone to do something, you have to do it first," she emphasizes. "I loved the idea of CAB, making the student-athlete experience great for everyone. At MRU, we've built a strong community among our teams, and that's something I'm really proud of."

Reflecting on her time at MRU, Lalor finds it hard to pick just one standout memory. From overtime wins, to wins against rival schools such as the University of Alberta and University of Calgary to road trips out east, her fondest moments are tied to the people she's shared them with.

"It's the accumulation of all the friendships and experiences," she says. "Whether it's long bus rides, getting snowed in, or just hanging out with teammates, those are the memories I'll carry forever."

As Lalor approaches the final stretch of her collegiate basketball career, she remains focused on helping her team achieve success.

"We've had a great start, but the second half is like a sprint, not a marathon," she says. "We need to stay consistent, work hard, and stick to our game plan. It's about enjoying every moment together and playing hard."

Lalor's journey at MRU is a testament to her grit, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her team. As she prepares to close this chapter, her impact as a leader and role model will undoubtedly resonate within the Cougars program for years to come.