Mya McDonald Takes on New Challenge with Dakota College Teams

Mya McDonald, a determined 17-year-old athlete from Strathclair, Manitoba, has committed to join the Dakota College at Bottineau Lumberjacks women’s hockey and softball teams in the fall of 2024. With a robust background in sports, McDonald is excited about the new challenges that await her as she pursues an Associate of Arts degree while balancing her athletic commitments.

McDonald currently attends Strathclair Community School, where she is a Grade 12 student actively involved in multiple sports, including curling, softball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, track and field, and cross country. Reflecting on her busy schedule, she expressed confidence in her ability to manage her time effectively. “I’m excited for the challenge,” she said. “I think it will still be fun. I’ve managed all these sports in high school; how hard could it be in another one?”

A Multifaceted Athlete

On the ice, McDonald has developed her skills as a blue-liner, starting her skating journey at the age of three. By the time she was four, she was already playing hockey. Throughout her career, she has transitioned between centre and defence, ultimately finding her strength on the blue line. “I like to be offensive but also defensive,” McDonald noted. “I only make an offensive rush if it’s a smart move. If I’m risking giving up a breakaway, I definitely won’t do it.”

Her commitment to sports extends beyond hockey; during the summer, she plays catcher and outfielder for the Hamiota softball team and the AA Westman Heat. She believes that participation in various sports enhances her overall performance. “The physical and mental aspects of every game help each other,” she explained, drawing connections between her experiences in basketball and hockey.

McDonald has played a key role in her current team, the U18 A Hamiota Huskies, where she serves as captain. The team sits at the top of the Rural Manitoba Female Hockey League with a record of 13 wins and 2 losses, having scored 63 goals while allowing only 22. In 15 games this season, McDonald has contributed six goals and 11 assists, including two game-winning goals. “It means a lot to me that the girls voted for me to be captain,” she said. “I want to be a good leader for them and help everybody out.”

Support from Family and Future Aspirations

McDonald attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, especially her parents, Travis and Briana. “They’ve really been my support system all along,” she shared. “They drive me to all places and funded me the year I played AAA. It’s just getting me to all the places, taking me to all the tournaments, and encouraging me.”

Looking ahead, McDonald began contemplating a university sports career as early as her Grade 9 year, sparked by a job fair in Brandon where she learned about opportunities at Dakota College. “It always felt like I wanted to play hockey forever, but I realized, ‘Wait, I can play after school at a school?’” she recalled. This revelation, combined with a family connection to the college through her father’s cousin, Sheldon Rapley, helped solidify her decision.

After visiting the campus in September with teammates Brooke Facey and Alyshia McKinnon, who also committed to the college, McDonald felt a sense of belonging. “I liked how friendly everybody was. It’s small and felt like a nice little community,” she commented.

As McDonald prepares for her transition to college life, she embraces the challenges ahead with enthusiasm. “I can’t wait to see where it takes me and where my life is going to go with it,” she said. Dakota College’s head scout, Neil Franklin, expressed excitement about her joining the program, highlighting her mobility and ability to read the game well.

As she balances her final months of high school with her athletic pursuits, McDonald remains focused on her goals, looking forward to the bright future that awaits her in Bottineau.