It's August 27th, 2022. The Mount Royal University Cougars are making their home debut at the grassy old Stadium Field against the Calgary Dinos. For the first time in their collegiate soccer careers, five of Mount Royal's six graduating players suited up in MRU blue. Alex Kemsley, JJ Walter, Skyler Rogers, Sjard Strauss, and Hyunsoo Ryu would hear their names announced over the PA system as members of the Cougars Men's soccer team, kicking off what would turn into an unforgettable run for the quintet. On that same night, the collective would enjoy their first win as Canada West players.

That victory not only laid the foundation for what the future could hold but also marked the beginning of a new era in Cougars men's soccer history. 

Local products JJ Walter, Soo Ryu, and Skyler Rogers remember the start of it all. From the first set of practices to the trials and tribulations of figuring out how to become Canada West players. Being surrounded by plenty of former league All-Stars and Cougar veterans wasn't easy, but the pair found themselves feeling more connected as that first year went along. 

"My first year, I would definitely say, was a little intimidating at first," said Walter. "There were so many good players coming in, but the team was just very welcoming, and eventually I just felt at home." 

As for Rogers, he recalls becoming a more versatile player early in his Cougars career, looking for any opportunity to crack the starting 11.
"I came to MRU in 2022, and I wasn't a regular starter. I had to earn my minutes, and then from there I solidified my role on the team playing multiple positions: midfield, winger, striker, and whatever was needed."

The story wasn't much different for future captains Alex Kemsley and Sjard Strauss, who were both finding their place amongst the pack. However, away from the pitch, the pair were also in the midst of adjusting to life in a new country.

Kemsley says that the initial move was tough for him, but the support he gained from his teammates and coaches helped him during his first season abroad.
"It was a difficult transition coming from England," said Kemsley. I really missed home in my first year, but luckily MRU is full of loads of incredible people and an amazing coaching staff. All my brothers on the team made me feel so welcome. I've loved every moment since."

Those moments that Kemsley speaks of have been riddled with accomplishments. Collecting hardware in each of their first four years, including a pair of Canada West Championships (the first two in MRU history), the graduating core has helped make MRU a soccer powerhouse in U-Sports.

Their first came during 2023, with five of their six graduating seniors hoisting their first titles. Two years later, in 2025, the group would do it again, with transfer student Valentin Kirchner winning his first title, cementing all of the 2026 seniors as champions. 

Although Kirchner's journey with the team has spanned three seasons, he, like many of his teammates, credited the program and school with helping him find a place where he felt he belonged.

"For me, the journey has been long. It took me a long time to find the place where I was meant to be. I tried different things and was in different environments, and it wasn't right for me. So I changed the scenery again, and then I just found it here."

A home away from home for many over the years, Mount Royal's six seniors prepare to move on towards a life away from collegiate soccer; but these battle-tested veterans still have their sights set on returning to their spot in the winners circle. It's a place where each senior says their favourite memories have occurred. 

All-Star Keeper Sjard Strauss played a pivotal role in the team's 2025 championship, scoring a free kick goal to send the Cougars to the finals. He can still feel the emotions that the day brought and hopes he and the Cougars have another opportunity to capture gold this month.

"Winning Canada West on the new field. That is truly something I'm not going to forget ever in my life. I remember I fell to the ground just on my knees and just started balling my eyes out because especially as an international student, where you don't have your family here, this really becomes your second family, and it means a lot. Hopefully we can do it again this year."

There's a clear goal for the Cougars, but even if they aren't able to return to the same level of accomplishment again this year, long time defender Soo Ryu says the moments that he will cherish forever are the ones that often get overlooked.

"The first time I came to MRU, I thought it was all about competition, winning the game. But as time goes by, I've realized it's not everything. For me, it's about the people you meet, the locker room jokes, and the great moments you make with your teammates."

Being a witness to many of these moments over the past five seasons and having the privilege of coaching the six graduates has been Ryan Gyaki. Taking home hardware in each of their past five seasons, Gyaki is beyond thankful for the chance to work with so many talented players and special individuals.

"I don't think many people get to say that. It's a testament to those guys because all of them have played a big role. You can coach all you want, but without the right players, you definitely can't win. It's been such a fun time with them, getting to have so much success on and off the field. It's been a real honour and privilege to get to coach such great young men."

Now that their names have been announced one final time at Stadium Field on Senior Day and their careers celebrated by those who have shaped their soccer journeys, the six graduating players look to cap off an unforgettable time as the Cougars with one last run at a championship.