Dauphin's Kalee Dyck has only been playing rugby for a few years, but, her progression has been incredible and because of it, she's heading to Acadia University to play for their women's rugby team.
She'll begin her playing days and post-secondary studies in the fall.
"I'm so pumped about getting the chance to play at Acadia," said Dyck. "When I first started playing, I definitely didn't think this was going to happen. I'm just so excited. It's going to be such a great opportunity to get better at rugby, and it's going to be fun living out there and making new friends."
Kalee headed to Brandon earlier this year to take part in a camp in which several universities attended, and the 17-year-old knew Acadia was the place to be.
"The coach from Acadia was just so nice, and welcoming," added Dyck. "Her attitude towards the camp was great, and she is so knowledgeable about the game. I just loved the way they welcomed me, and it wasn't even in Nova Scotia. I can't wait to play in Acadia."
Dyck prides herself in her hard work and determination whenever she hits the field. That's backed up with this photo, as Kalee put her body on the line in order to help her Dauphin Clippers team succeed.
Being a veteran this past season allowed Dyck the opportunity to mentor the younger players, but now, she'll be a team rookie in the fall and she knows it'll be a challenge playing against older ladies, but she's ready for it.
"It'll be tough for sure, but I'll be able to learn from all of the players," said Dyck. "They're all really talented and earned their spot on the team for a reason. It'll be a great learning experience."
Kalee doesn't only shine on the rugby field. She grew up playing hockey and continued playing until grade 11. But, in grade nine is when everything changed and rugby was the sport that Kalee was dedicating herself to.
"I just went to a team practice at high school and just thought it was another sport to play," added Dyck. "It was so confusing because rugby is pretty confusing if you're not familiar with it. But, I just absolutely loved everything about it."
"Now that I've had four years of practice, and I get to play at Acadia... it's honestly a dream come true for me," said Dyck.
Although Dyck chose rugby in the end, she feels she could have chosen hockey and made it to the next level as well.
"I probably could have played hockey at the next level... but I didn't have the drive nor did I really want too," said Dyck. "I knew from day one, I wanted to go further with rugby. I honestly just love this game, and I know I made the right choice."
Playing at Acadia means Kalee will continue her studies... and all in all, her life will become a lot busier with the course load that'll come from the university. On top of her studies though, she'll have to also stay in great shape and prepare for each and every practice, and game.
"It's going to be a huge jump from high school to university for sure," said Dyck. "Just in classes alone, everyone always says the gap between HS and Uni is huge."
"And of course I have to play rugby at the same time and keep up," she added. "But, in the end, I'm there to play rugby and go to school, so hopefully I can get it all done and do great at both."
It's going to be an exciting year for the 17-year-old Dauphinite. Not only will she be playing with some of the best rugby players in all of Canada, but she is guaranteed to take part in the National Championships this year as Acadia will play host to the "Big Dance".
"The last couple of years the team hasn't won the Nationals, but they've gotten into them," said Dyck. "Hopefully this year we can have a chance to win it all in our hometown. That would be absolutely incredible."
Dyck wrapped up her high school rugby career earlier this year, but she'll never forget everyone that helped her succeed and the great moments she was a part of.
"Playing in Dauphin was absolutely amazing," said Dyck. "Rodney Carberry has been my coach since I started playing, and he brought the team so high. Before there was barely even a team for girls, and now we almost have too many. There are so many programs now, and so many more people want to play the game. Rugby in Dauphin truly is incredible, and it's not stopping anytime soon."
"I'm very proud to say I was able to represent the Clippers on the field these past few years," said Dyck. "And now, I can't wait to represent the Axewomen.
Interview with Kalee Dyck: