How the ACAC has Changed my Life.

Oh, hey there. You probably clicked on this article for one of many reasons:

1. You've also experienced the total life-changing experience that is college sport

2. You want to experience the life-changing experience that is college sport, or

3. You are ACAC alumni and want to reminisce with me on some of the best years of your life

Either way, I'm so glad you're reading. The chances are high that you and I have the same passion, desire and joy that many collegiate athletes have. It's actually pretty wild that a complete internet stranger (me) can connect on such a relatable level to a drop-in reader (you) without ever having met. In whatever sports world you're from, I'd like to think we're off to a great starter. The only pun in the whole piece, I swear.

During my first year of college, I did what every other first-year student does. I attempted to blend in, manage a heavy course load, and make friends without looking like a complete dork. I sat next to a cute guy who looked like he knew what he was doing and we instantly clicked. His name was Nic Davies, and he was an athlete on the men's volleyball team at SAIT. Throughout that first year, Nic was a great friend of mine, and we shared similar interests in both sport and journalism. I attended most of his volleyball games as a fan and ended up watching him and his teammates make school history. For the first time in over 20 years, they had won the ACAC championship. They also went on to win a silver medal at the CCAA national final. Needless to say, I was already bought into the Trojan mentality.

The next year, a month before school started, Nic encouraged me to try out for the women's soccer team at SAIT. Before that, I had never even considered becoming a college athlete or entertained the idea as an option. I had grown up playing competitive soccer and volleyball, but I figured that after high school it would become less of a focus. However, I decided to give it a shot. What did I have to lose?

That year, I made it onto the squad as a walk-on athlete, and my entire life changed. Two years later, I went on to play women's soccer and futsal at Olds College, where I was fortunate enough to captain the squad. I went from being an average athlete to someone who spent every weeknight and evening dedicating their life to the sport and pushing myself to become better in every way possible. Although my teams didn't have any banner seasons like the men's volleyball program did, I found my way as a committed and competitive athlete.

I'd also found something special in my teammates and other athletes across all sports. The ACAC had changed my college friendship group from a couple of acquaintances I met in class, to several lifelong friends I met on the field, in the gym and at events. In fact, just two years ago, I married that cute guy, Nic Davies, from class. Our wedding party included two fellow athletes, was attended by several past ACAC athletes, and an old teammate and current-friend made our cake.

Since graduating, I have stayed involved in the soccer community and have worked my way into a career I love. In many respects, I attribute my professional successes as a businesswoman to my athletic training in college. My part-time online business and my full-time job were achieved through dedication, extra hours and were honestly all obtained thanks to the mentors I've gained through past coaches and athletics staff members.

Now, I know I've blabbed a lot about how this experience has changed my life — but what I really want to get at is how much it's going to change yours — or likely already has. Not only does becoming a collegiate athlete open doors as far as building a professional network, but it also offers the opportunity to contribute to your community and identify your strengths and passions as a new grad. If it weren't for coaches telling me to push harder or encouraging me to care more, I most certainly wouldn't have the growth mindset that I do today. After all, 18-year-old me wasn't nearly as accepting of her role as the late-20s me is.

For those of you considering playing college-level sport — there is no question in the matter. You should. After all, we love sports because they're entertaining and certainly unpredictable. In fact, I'm currently writing this article in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where my husband coaches women's volleyball at Keyano College — and where in just two short months, we'll be welcoming a future little collegiate superstar of our own.

So, thanks, ACAC. For everything.

Alyssa Davies