Athletics have been a cornerstone of Carley Jewell’s post-secondary education.

Before graduating from MacEwan University with her Bachelor of Science in 2020, she spent five years on the Griffins women’s hockey team. Now she’s pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology at the University of Lethbridge while staying connected to MacEwan and her former team as a member of the Alumni Advisory Council, serving on the Griffins Alumni Committee.

We caught up with Jewell to discuss most memorable moments and greatest achievements – on and off the ice.

What prompted you to get involved with the Alumni Advisory Council?

I felt it was important, as an alum who is proud to have graduated from MacEwan, to continue our legacy and promote the institution. And personally I think the best way to give back is through volunteering and advocacy.

What do you most value about the time you spent at MacEwan?

MacEwan opened the doors to several things in my life that I never would have experienced had I not been there. Growing up in Manitoba, I always assumed I would stay at home for post-secondary. When I was recruited to play hockey at MacEwan, I didn’t realize the impact it would have on my life. Academically, I was fortunate enough to find my passion in sport psychology through my work on an independent study, which is now the basis for my master’s thesis. Athletically, I was able to pursue my passion for hockey and win three championships, all while receiving an outstanding education. Personally, I met amazing lifelong friends, who I consider family now.

What is your most vivid MacEwan memory?

My most vivid MacEwan memory is winning the first of three championships with the women’s hockey team. Although all were extremely thrilling and memorable, the first one was the best – maybe because we struggled and were seen as the underdogs that year. I can vividly remember being on the ice at SAIT when the game-winning goal was scored. That goal, and the celebration afterwards, are moments I will never forget.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Alumni Advisory Council?

I hope to bridge the gap between current Griffins players and Griffins alumni. It is an incredible honour to play a sport for a post-secondary team. I think it is important to connect Griffins athletes both past and present to foster a sense of community and Griffin pride.

I’ll be co-chairing the Griffins Alumni Committee and we are in the process of developing an M sweater program. Our hope is that when athletes enter their senior year of competition, they will receive this sweater as a memento of their time with the Griffins, and to signify that they are an integral part of the MacEwan alumni community.

What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?

Some of the biggest honours I’ve received were Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference player of the year and the MacEwan women’s hockey program most outstanding player award in my third year. That was an exciting time as we also won our second championship that year, and some of my best hockey memories were during that season.

In my academic career, I would say my biggest accomplishment was getting into my master’s program of choice. As an undergrad I knew I was going to further my education, and getting into my school and program of choice to study kinesiology was extremely exciting. I look forward to completing this degree and hopefully one day getting into a PhD program to further my studies of sport-related concussion and its impact on athletes’ psychological readiness to return to sport.