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The Drive to Excel

Posted by Stephanie Rogers on December 8, 2017 in News
Thea McLachlin
Thea McLachlin

Thea McLachlin is no stranger to success.

It seems to follow the 22-year-old Red Deer, AB., native everywhere she goes, be it on the volleyball court, in the gym or in the classroom.

Im really proud of that, McLachlin, a fifth-year student at 窪蹋勛圖厙AC and member of the Rams volleyball team, said. When I came here I didnt think I would have that kind of success. I was never a standout player in high school or club so its been really cool to see whats happened since I came here.

It all comes from her desire to be the best she can be at whatever she does. Although shes a naturally gifted athlete, its McLachlins work ethic which takes her to the next level.

Its had a great impact on her success as an athlete, Rams coach Guy Desgagne said. Its not easy to manage student life while playing a very demanding varsity sport. She made the right, but not always easy, choices to reach this well-deserved success.

She made an impact the first time she stepped on the court for the Rams five years ago and last season the left side was named the campus female athlete of the year. The Rams captain has also turned herself into one of the top players in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA), finishing the schedule ranked second in kills, kills per set and points last season. Shes also a regular conference all-star selection and is on track for another standout campaign in spite of Dalhousies struggles in the standings. The Rams are seventh in the eight-team conference with an 0-6 record.

Thea in action for the Rams

The Rams practice four to five times per week, but McLachlin rarely misses a session and never takes a drill off. She does all of her assigned workouts, helps her teammates with theirs and provides a valuable link between the players and coaching staff.

Thea is a great captain and I refer to her when I need input from a different perspective, Desgagne said. Shes always happy to share her thoughts and her comments are very valuable.

On top of that, she also coaches youth volleyball while still managing to maintain good grades.

Its really cool to see how all of the things you learn from all of that, like time management, transfer over into your life outside of sports, McLachlin, who will graduate in the spring with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Animal Science degree, said.

But volleyball is just one aspect of McLachlins life. She is also competing in olympic weightlifting and excelling there as well.

Im still very new to the sport but its going really well and its something I really enjoy, she said.

McLachlin picked up the sport and started training three times per week in February. She has already started whats sure to be a long list of accomplishments by winning the 75kg provincial title in Dartmouth recently.

窪蹋勛圖厙AC athletic director Judy Smith said she is thrilled to have a student with McLachlins work ethic and drive on campus.

We are very fortunate to have her in the Rams family, Smith said. She is an outstanding student athlete, a leader and a quality person.