UNews - Clarence Taal

Taal family influence a Pronghorn tradition

trevor.kenney — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:04:45 +0000

When Lauren Taal chose to attend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and play for the Pronghorns women's basketball team, to everyone looking in, it seemed like the easy decision. But make no mistake, beginning with that decision and the ensuing five years that followed, Taal's time as a Pronghorn has been anything but easy – and she wouldn't have it any other way.

"I am happy that this is the path I chose," says Taal, a third generation family member to attend the U of L. "I don't think it turned out the way I thought it would but as you grow up, I guess you realize that things aren't always what you expect."

Taal's family tree has an indelible ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge branch to it, beginning with her grandfather Jack Lilja Sr., who coached the Horns women's team for four seasons in the 1970s. Her mother Lynette Taal (Lilja) played for the Horns from 1978 through 1983, while her aunts Lorell (1973-77) and Leslie (1974-79) also wore the blue and gold. Her uncle, Jack Lilja Jr., played both basketball and soccer for the Horns and her father Clarence Taal is another U of L alumnus.

Horns' guard Lauren Taal drives the lane in a recent Canada West game at the 1st Choice Savings Centre. PHOTO courtesy of Paula Gorman.

Given the family lineage, it seemed natural that Lauren would choose to attend the U of L, yet she seriously entertained offers from both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan.

"It was a difficult decision for me because I knew how important it was and I knew how long the family tradition was to come here," says Taal. "At the same time my parents would have supported me any place I went."

In Taal's time at the U of L, the Horns have never finished above the .500 mark and made just one playoff appearance. Teammates have come and gone, she lost a close friend and mentor, suffered a major knee injury that cost her the second half of her fourth season and veered away from her intended major. Only now, in her final year, can she see the all their hard work starting to pay off and the team making huge strides forward.

"Looking back now, I'm still really glad that I came here," she says. "I don't think I would have learned as much going to programs that have seen more success. I think the people I've met here and the experiences I've had through the school and through basketball, playing with all the people I've played with, they've all had a great influence on me."

Taal has grasped adversity and made it work for her, learning more about herself in times of challenge than she ever learned as a high school star at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.

"I had been pretty fortunate before coming here," says Taal. "I'd always played on teams that were pretty good and always been one of the better players, thanks a lot to my mom's influence. Then to struggle the way we did as a team and to get injured – when you lose something that's been such a big part of your life it makes you stop and realize all the things you need to be grateful for because just like that, they can be taken away from you."

Losing her friend Krista Heidinger (née Robson) tragically, a former Pronghorn her mother had coached, and whom she knew and looked up to since she was four years old, was another tough blow. Yet Taal, approaching her final games in a Horns jersey and ready to graduate with a degree in kinesiology this spring, is still thankful for the opportunity to have played in her hometown for the family program and with her younger sister Cassidy (second year).

"After we lost against ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary this year, making it tough for us to get into the playoffs, I was pretty upset," says Taal. "I remember coming out of the dressing room and my little cousins were there saying, "You played so well" and they were so excited. Knowing they support me and come out to games and look up to me and Cassidy, I'm very grateful to have a family that is behind me, that I'm getting an education and playing the game I love. It really puts things into perspective."

After convocation, Taal will explore professional basketball opportunities in Europe, with plans to eventually pursue a master's degree in sports management or administration. There's also a good chance she'll follow another family tradition and turn to coaching.

"I've gotten so much from this game, I feel a responsibility to give back to it," she says. "My granddad passed it on to my aunts and my mom, and she passed her love of the game on to me. Lots of people might not understand that just because they haven't had the same upbringing but I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have basketball, so I can definitely see myself coaching."

Whether it leads her back to the U of L once again remains to be seen.

GET THE FACTS

Taal set a Canada West single-game record for steals recently, nabbing 13 steals against the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Manitoba Bisons

Taal has already dabbled in coaching, teaming up with former Horns women's head coach Dori Johnson to guide a youth league team last summer

Her grandfather Jack Lilja Sr. played for Canada's 1963 World Championship Men's Basketball Team. He wore jersey No. 7, as did Taal's mother Lynette and as she wears today for the Horns

Her mother Lynette was a two-time Canada West all-star and named Pronghorn Female Athlete of the Year in 1983

The Lilja family was inducted into the Pronghorn Hall of Fame in 2002

This story first appeared in the February 2012 edition of The Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Alumni Association pays tribute to 2010 Honour Society inductees

trevor.kenney — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:15:48 +0000

In celebration of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 35th Anniversary in 2002, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association established the Alumni Honour Society to recognize the achievements of successful alumni within the global community. The individuals inducted into this prestigious group serve as role models through success in their vocation, outstanding community service or superior accomplishment in their avocation.

Betty Jean Bastien (BASc (BA) '76)

As the first Pikuni member to receive a university degree, Betty Jean Bastien's life has been committed to the revitalization of First Nations culture in an attempt to regain their cultural identities and connect and re-establish the Indigenous pedagogical and healing practices of First Nation communities.

She is celebrated for her research on Blackfoot Child Development theories, Indigenous research methodologies, child welfare and intergenerational trauma. She is an amazing example of leadership in women, a scholar in her field, and a source of support and inspiration for many.

Belinda Crowson (BEd '92, BSc '99)

Belinda Crowson

Belinda Crowson is a woman who actively pursues excellence as the Museum Educator at the Galt Museum and Archives in Lethbridge, Alberta. She is an enthusiastic history professional – her interest, knowledge, organizational skills, research publications and teaching expertise at the grassroots level carry her into areas where she comfortably wears many hats.

Belinda is the "go to" person for all things historical – past and present. She has and does make a difference in the lives of many people in southern Alberta. Belinda engages students by making history come alive.

Doug Hudson (BASc '71)

Doug Hudson

As the City of Lethbridge's solicitor, Doug Hudson provides legal advice, opinions and services to the Mayor, Alderman and Department Heads. He was admitted into the bar in 1976 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2002. He has been an active member of the Alumni Association for many years, holding such positions as Senate representative, Chair of the Recognition Committee and member of the 35th Anniversary Planning Committee.

As Chair of the Lethbridge Legal guidance Society, he provides pro bono legal advice to those unable to afford to engage legal counsel.

Jill Kotkas (BEd '77)

Jill Kotkas

Jill Kotkas has been a teacher and mentor to people of all ages and in a variety of ways. She continues to lead by example and is respected for her integrity and belief in the ability of others to accomplish their dreams.

As a single mother, Jill attended university as a mature student to obtain her education degree and then assisted her own children to realize their own dreams with careers in medicine, law and teaching.

Jessie Snow (BASc (BA) '71, BEd '72, DipEd '81)

Jessie Snow

It has been said of Jessie Snow that she is always providing an open house, meal or humanitarian care for those who crossed her path. As an active advocate for mental health rights, Jessie served as the Special Education Consultant for Lethbridge Catholic School District and continued in this capacity until her retirement in 2007.

She was actively involved with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge by being the first woman president of the Students' Union, a founding member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate in 1967 and served on the board of governors.

Clarence Taal (BMgt '82)

Clarence Taal

Clarence Taal is a very dedicated supporter of Lethbridge community projects and, in particular, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. He actively promotes the athletic teams and encourages students to attend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, as he believes that it is a quality institution that provides an excellent education to students.

Clarence Taal has given back to his alma mater in time, treasury and talent.

The Alumni Honour Society 2010 Inductees

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:20:53 +0000

Betty Jean Bastien (BASc (BA) '76)

As the first Pikuni member to receive a university degree, Betty Jean Bastien's life has been committed to the revitalization of First Nations culture in an attempt to regain their cultural identities and connect and re-establish the Indigenous pedagogical and healing practices of First Nation communities.

She is celebrated for her research on Blackfoot Child Development theories, Indigenous research methodologies, child welfare and intergenerational trauma. She is an amazing example of leadership in women, a scholar in her field, and a source of support and inspiration for many.

Belinda Crowson (BEd '92, BSc '99)

Belinda Crowson is a woman who actively pursues excellence as the Museum Educator at the Galt Museum and Archives in Lethbridge, Alberta. She is an enthusiastic history professional – her interest, knowledge, organizational skills, research publications and teaching expertise at the grassroots level carry her into areas where she comfortably wears many hats.

Belinda is the "go to" person for all things historical – past and present. She has and does make a difference in the lives of many people in southern Alberta. Belinda engages students by making history come alive.

Doug Hudson (BASc '71)

As the City of Lethbridge's solicitor, Doug Hudson provides legal advice, opinions and services to the Mayor, Alderman and Department Heads. He was admitted into the bar in 1976 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2002. He has been an active member of the Alumni Association for many years, holding such positions as Senate representative, Chair of the Recognition Committee and member of the 35th Anniversary Planning Committee.

As Chair of the Lethbridge Legal guidance Society, he provides pro bono legal advice to those unable to afford to engage legal counsel.

Jill Kotkas (BEd '77)

As a single mother, Jill attended university as a mature student to obtain her education degree and then assisted her own children to realize their own dreams with careers in medicine, law and teaching.

Jessie Snow (BASc (BA) '71, BEd '72, DipEd '81)

It has been said of Jessie Snow that she is always providing an open house, meal or humanitarian care for those who crossed her path. As an active advocate for mental health rights, Jessie served as the Special Education Consultant for Lethbridge Catholic School District and continued in this capacity until her retirement in 2007.

She was actively involved with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge by being the first woman president of the Students' Union, a founding member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate in 1967 and served on the board of governors.

Clarence Taal (BMgt '82)

Clarence Taal is a very dedicated supporter of Lethbridge community projects and, in particular, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. He actively promotes the athletic teams and encourages students to attend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, as he believes that it is a quality institution that provides an excellent education to students.

Clarence Taal has given back to his alma mater in time, treasury and talent.

UNews - Clarence Taal

Taal family influence a Pronghorn tradition

Related Topics

Alumni Association pays tribute to 2010 Honour Society inductees

Related Topics

The Alumni Honour Society 2010 Inductees

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