UNews - Amy Van Buskirk

Pronghorns Women’s Hockey Alumni Foundation pays it forward

caroline.zentner — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:49:07 +0000

The past informs the present — it offers perspective and experience — and in the case of the Pronghorns Women’s Hockey Alumni Foundation, it offers generous support.

The hockey alumni group recently rewrote the parameters associated with its Women’s Hockey Alumni Award, redirecting the annual scholarship to benefit any continuing female student-athlete in any ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge degree program. Originally established in 2017 by the women’s hockey alumni chapter and its community supporters to support women’s hockey players, the endowed scholarship will continue to be awarded in perpetuity.

“We just really liked that the legacy of our program name can be there. We worked really hard to establish this scholarship and even though the team went away, the relationships we have with each other aren’t going away,” says Sam Schneyder (BSc ’07), a Horns standout from 2001 to 2007.

“It is an important legacy piece for us, because whether it was us as players and alumni donating to this award or people in the community who supported us, knowing that money is going to impact future female athletes is important,” adds Amy Van Buskirk (BA ’13), who played for the Horns from 2008 to 2013.

Kimoya Edwards, at right, is the first recipient of the rededicated scholarship. Photo by Lars Photography.

The first recipient of the rededicated award is third-year neuroscience student Kimoya Edwards. A track and field standout from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Edwards excels in sprints and hurdles. She said it was especially gratifying to learn former Pronghorn athletes are behind the award.

“It is so great knowing that there are more experienced individuals out there who understand what it’s like to be a student-athlete and the stress we experience and are willing to help,” says Edwards, who was nominated for the scholarship by her coach. “Receiving such a scholarship is a relief and provides more room to focus on other aspects of the student-athlete life.”

Schneyder and Van Buskirk say the award was designed to support athletes who best demonstrate team leadership by being able to balance academic achievement, community involvement and athletic excellence.

“The student-athletes I know, from both our women’s and men’s teams, when I run into them now, so many of them are active and contributing time to their communities and I really believe you learn that as a student-athlete,” says Schneyder, who has coached youth hockey for the last 10-plus years. “You can say it’s just a sport, it’s just a game and it is . . . but it’s not, because what we all got out of our experience is so much more.”

Both women reflect on the many people who supported them through their journeys as student-athletes, remembering the community events they took part in while wearing Pronghorns colours.

“Participating in those events was always a fun way to share our experiences and Pronghorn stories with the community, as well as create bonds and relationships with those who supported us,” says Van Buskirk. “Back then, we weren’t fully aware of the impact we were making, but I always left with an improved sense of community.”

Edwards is busy working three jobs, attending church and assisting with the church youth group and video graphic work that allows church members to watch services from home. She volunteers for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and at the Chinook Regional Hospital as well as for local community events. She’s also active in the ULethbridge community as a member of the Rotaract, Pre-Med and Black Students’ Association clubs.

“I love to give back to the community that has shown me what it means to be Kimoya Edwards,” she says. “As a Pronghorn athlete, it is very important to show our community that we are willing to be an active part of our surroundings and that we are not separated. The community has been there supporting us in our games, events and so much more, so by giving back through volunteering it tells Lethbridge that the Pronghorns are grateful and appreciative for their continued support.”

For Schneyder and the Pronghorns Women’s Hockey Alumni Foundation, it’s important the experiences that shaped their careers as student-athletes and set them up for success upon graduation will continue to be accessible for future generations of female athletes.

“The skills we learned as student-athletes, like the mental toughness to persevere, the time management skills, things like that are incredible. I didn’t know anything different than being a student-athlete but when I look back now, I believe I learned so much more because of that experience,” says Schneyder. “I’m excited that everyone who contributed to starting this scholarship will see that their money is still supporting women athletes pursuing their dreams.”

Horns hosting defending Canada West champs to open season

trevor.kenney — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 22:39:53 +0000

Following the best season in school history in 2011-12, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s hockey team took a step back last season and missed the playoffs. With a veteran laden roster set to return this season, the team looks to move back into the playoff picture.

A total of 19 players are returning from last season, although the ‘Horns have lost a good portion of their leadership group with the graduation of captain Ashley Beattie and Amy Van Buskirk. While both blueliners made great contributions to the program, the back-end is in good hands with senior Glenda Edie and fourth-year defenders Courtney Minor and Katie Mucha.

Goaltender Crystal Patterson will play a key role in any success the Horns women's hockey team has this season.

The returning goaltending tandem of Crystal Patterson and Shauntelle Williams give the Pronghorns a solid one-two punch in net. Patterson, a 2011-12 Canada West first team all-star, has carried the load the last two seasons and will look to replicate her stellar 2011-12 season. After leading the conference with six shutouts in 2011-12, she did not record one last season but had solid numbers with a 2.31 goals-against-average and 0.917 save percentage.

Despite being one of the lowest scoring teams in the conference last season, the Pronghorns possess a group of talent forwards and will look to score by committee. Megan Bailey had a breakout season last year and her team leading 16 points tripled her output from the previous campaign.

Third-year forward Kirsten Reeves led the ‘Horns last season with 12 goals, putting her in a tie for third in the conference, and she will be leaned on heavily for production again this season.

2011-12 Canada West rookie of the year Sadie Lenstra will look to rebound from an injury plagued 2012-13 campaign. After leading all Canada West rookies in scoring, Lenstra missed more than half of the season last year and never really found her stride.

Sarah Spence will be another forward to watch for the ‘Horns this season. Spence had a solid rookie season last year, registering 13 points, and will be counted on to take another step forward.

With seven of their first eight games at home to start the year, the ‘Horns have a great opportunity for a fast start.

The UBC Thunderbirds will not sneak up on the competition in 2013-14. Coming off an improbable season which saw the ‘Birds go from one regular season win in 2011-12 to a 17-7-4 regular season record, a Canada West Championship and a fifth-place finish at the CIS Championships in 2012-13, UBC will be the number one target in the conference.

Back between the pipes is Second Team All-Canadian Daniel Dube, while Second Team Canada West All-Star Christi Capozzi and Sarah Casorso will anchor the back end. Up front Second Team Canada West All-Star Tatiana Rafter, along with Rebecca Unrau, Stephanie Schaupmeyer, and Nicole Saxvik will expected to lead the charge offensively.

Keep your eye on towering newcomers Kathleen Cahoon (6’1) and Hannah Heisler (6’0) at forward, while fellow rookies Devon Morrison and Stephanie Payne could have an immediate impact on the blueline.

Reigning CIS and Canada West Coach of the Year Graham Thomas enters his second year behind the bench and is eager to prove last year was not a fluke.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena both Friday and Saturday nights. Both games will also be webcast on www.canadawest.tv, home for all Canada West webcasts.

Gallagher, Waldner earn top athlete honours

trevor.kenney — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:22:31 +0000

Championship thrower Kayla Gallagher and four-time Academic All Canadian basketball player Derek Waldner were named Pronghorn Female and Male Athlete of the Year respectively this past weekend as Pronghorn athletics held its annual Blue and Gold Banquet.

Over 275 athletes, administrators and special guests were in attendance for the supper and awards ceremony at the Lethbridge Lodge. The guest speaker for the event was former Pronghorn Dana Mckechnie.

Female Athlete of the Year

In only her first year of eligibility, Kayla Gallagher burst onto the track scene and served notice that she will be a force on the CIS throwing scene for years to come.

At the Canada West Championship meet, the Truro, N.S. native earned two medals, winning her first Canada West weight throw title with a throw of 16.85 metres, nearly a metre further than her closest competitor. She also earned a silver medal in the shot put event. With her gold medal in the weight throw, Gallagher was a first-team Canada West All-Star.

Heading into the CIS Championship meet in Edmonton, Gallagher was ranked fifth in CIS, but a new personal best throw of 18.24 metres earned her the gold medal. The throw was nearly two metres better than her previous personal best and she won the event by almost a metre. The throw was also the furthest ever by a first-year thrower in CIS History. The win also earned her a first-year All-Canadian award.

Male Athlete of the Year

In his final season as a Pronghorn, senior basketball player Derek Waldner capped his career with an exceptional season and will go down in 'Horns history among the best to ever don the blue and gold.

Named a second team Canada West all-star, Waldner led the nation in rebounding and rebounding average with 252 rebounds and an average of 11.5 boards per game. The 252 rebounds also set a new Pronghorn single season record. Waldner was also seventh in Canada West scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game.

Waldner finishes his five-year career with the 'Horns as the school's all-time leading rebounder with 874 and leader in games played with 108. He also sits fifth in scoring with 1139 points and compiled 29 double-doubles (double figures in both points and rebounds) in his career.

The consummate student-athlete, Waldner has been a four-time Academic All-Canadian and is well on his way to finishing his degree with a fifth Academic All-Canadian Award.

Other major award winners included:

President's Award (Academic achievement)

For the second year in a row a member of the Pronghorns women's hockey team receives the prestigious President's Award. Presented to the student athlete with the highest academic standing at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, this year's winner is Jasmin Teske. Like her former teammate Megan Bach last season, Teske achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, while balancing her large commitment to the team.

Team Academic Award (Team academic achievement)

The women's hockey team received the team academic award with a combined GPA of 3.10

Team MVPs (as voted by team members)

Men's Soccer – Matt Medoruma
Women's Soccer – Taura Willoughby
Men's Hockey – Brent Henke
Women's Hockey – Amy Van Buskirk
Men's Basketball – Derek Waldner
Women's Basketball – Ali Cameron
Women's Rugby – Brandi Van Eeuwen
Men's Swim – Ryan Thornley
Women's Swim – Kara Declark
Men's Track – Peter Millman
Women's Track – Kayla Gallagher

Van Buskirk, Cooper grab awards

trevor.kenney — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:27:54 +0000

Amy Van Buskirk and Daryl Cooper are the Subway Athletes of the Week, as announced by Pronghorn Athletics.

Van Buskirk, a fourth-year defenceman with the Horns women's hockey team, was a standout in the Horns' unprecedented sweep of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas over the weekend.

Friday night, Van Buskirk notched a goal and an assist to give the Pronghorns their first win against the Pandas in 15 years. The Brandon, MB native also netted the shootout winner to end the decade-and-a-half losing streak.

Saturday night, Van Buskirk was at it again, scoring the overtime winner to vault the Horns into sole possession of first place in the Canada West conference. Van Buskirk is currently tied for second in the conference for points by a defenceman.

On the men's side, third-year point guard Daryl Cooper impressed in his first weekend of action with the Horns. Cooper, who hails from San Francisco, Cal. , finished the weekend series against the Winnipeg Wesmen as the Horns' leader in points and assists.

In Friday night's season opener, Cooper scored 11 points and added four assists and four steals in a 74-71 loss to the Wesmen.

The following night, Cooper was a key component to the Horns earning a weekend split with the Wesmen. He dropped 16 points, picked up four rebounds and four assists in the Horns' 69-68 triumph.

Nicol, Van Buskirk earn Horns' award

trevor.kenney — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:26:57 +0000

Swimmer Jeff Nicol and women's hockey player Amy Van Buskirk had storng weekends in Canada West action, earning Subway Pronghorn Athlete of the Week honours.

Nicol, competing at the Canada West swimming championships in his home pool, rose to the challenge and captured the Horns' first two Canada West swimming medals in five years.

Saturday, the second-year swimmer earned a bronze medal in the 100-metre breaststroke with a time of one minute, 4.04 seconds. Nicol then hit the pool for his best event, the 200m breaststroke. Ranked second in the conference heading into the meet, Nicol lived up to his ranking and claimed the silver medal.

Nicol also finished fourth in the 50m breaststroke and was a member of the Horns' medley relay team that placed sixth. As a result, Nicol has qualified for the CIS swimming championships to be held at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto, Feb. 18-21.

On the women's side, second-year defenceman Van Buskirk picked an opportune time to score her first career CIS goals this past weekend, helping the surging Horns women's hockey team earn three of a possible four points versus the visiting UBC Thunderbirds.

In Friday night's series opener, Van Buskirk scored with 25 seconds left in the third period to force overtime in a game that the Horns eventually lost 3-2 in a shootout. Still, the goal earned the Horns a valuable point in the race for a Canada West playoff spot.

The next night, Van Buskirk's power play goal capped a Horns' three-goal first period explosion in a 4-1 victory over the T-Birds.

UNews - Amy Van Buskirk

Pronghorns Women’s Hockey Alumni Foundation pays it forward

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