Gladstone's MacLennan winds up University athletics career

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Published on Thursday, March 8, 2018

Kerilynn MacLennan (#10) recently finished her fifth year with the Edmonton-based MacEwan University Griffins women’s basketball program. Submitted photo. Property of Chris Piggott Photgraphy.

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner & Press

An athlete with a connection to Gladstone has wrapped up her post-secondary basketball career. Kerilynn MacLennan, who has been a member of the Edmonton-based MacEwan University Griffins women’s basketball program since 2013, recently played her 108th and final game for the team. 

The fifth-year senior ended the night with nine points, six assists and four rebounds. But the numbers on the stat-line are not likely the lasting memory that MacLennan will take away with her from that game.

“Along with myself, my teammate Paige Knull was wrapping up her time with the team. We were both there for the full five years, so we knew going in that it was going to be very emotional, but it was even a bit more than what I expected it to be,” said MacLennan. “I was very thankful that my mom and my dad, along with my boyfriend were able to be there for the final game. Just the entire experience is going to stay with me for years to come. The friendships I made on this team and the places we travelled will definitely stay with me for years to come.”

MacLennan, along with her family, moved to Winnipeg when she was five-years-old. She would, however, continue to spend summers in Gladstone until the age of 15, as she still had relatives who resided there. MacLennan said the community still has a special meaning for her.

“I grew up in Gladstone. Though, most of my family is now back in Winnipeg, my dad is still there and I do go back when I can.”

MacLennan will leave MacEwan with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in management. As for her future on the court, she said her careers as a player is likely over. The possibility of coaching, however, is something that could be intriguing.

“I love coaching [basketball] camps and giving back to the community. The past few years, I have coached in a program on [Winnipeg’s] north side, with inner-city kids, that can’t afford to go to camps. Seeing the smiles on their faces really makes it worth it. I also want to go back to my high school and help out there. I love the sport and I won’t ever go away from it.”