After an incredible season on the ice, in the classroom and in the community, the Westman Wildcats captain Callie Hillhorst was named the Don Kuryk Scholarship recipient by Hockey Manitoba.
"It was really an honour," Hillhorst said of finding out she was awarded the scholarship. "There's a lot of people to choose from, but getting that extra money is huge, with the cost of tuition, living and other expense, it adds up quickly. Education was just as important to me as hockey, so getting that support helps when it comes to helping doing what I love become more attainable."
The scholarship awarded to Hillhorst came with a sizeable amount of money. "$1500", a beaming Hillhorst said.
Thinking back over the year, the star hockey player and student reflected on what it was like balancing high level hockey and academics. "It's always a challenge, Hillhorst says candidly. "I've always had to deal with a busy schedule, so I've grown up that way. You make time work and when you have extra time, like on the bus or in the car, you get in some extra studying. You do whatever you can to be successful on the ice and in the books."
Having a sparkling 96% average in her grade 12 year, Hillhorst believes that she come by her love of knowledge honestly and credits a particular family member for instilling her drive for success. "I think that I've always loved learning, it's never been super hard for me. I like learning new things. A big reason for that is my mom, she's a teacher and now principal. She's always instilled the importance of education, so it's always come natural."
Being named captain of the Wildcats this past season meant a great deal to Hillhorst, who says she took that leadership role beyond the ice and lived it every day with pride. "It was always a dream of mine to become a captain, and luckily I got the opportunity in my final year. I've always naturally led, but just being able to help, especially with a younger team, they looked up to me and I was able to help them both on and off the ice, with extra school work before practices or just always being there for whatever they needed."
Not only was Hillhorst a star on the ice and in the classroom, the selfless teenager gave back to the community by giving her time, experiences she says she'll always cherish. "I coached U9 and U11 hockey teams this season and it was truly a huge honour. It was really cool to see how much you mean to the younger generation and it really inspired me to keep being that inspiration to these girls because that's what they need to see and know. They need to know they can achieve more and always have people to look up to. It was amazing to be that person they looked up to because I was in their shoes, looking up to athletes when I was their age."
There will be no rest coming for Hillhorst as she's committed to the University of Regina for both academics and hockey, things she's been working towards for years. "It's going to be different and I'll have to adapt, but that's what makes life fun. Everything is going to be new. I'm excited to meet new girls, learn from them and especially going into the education field, I'm very excited for that. I've always looked up to my mom, she's always cared about the students and staff, she's so inspiring. I strive to be a difference maker in my future students lives, just like her. Getting this degree means a lot to me and I know I'm going to have a great future ahead."
As a top student-athlete, Hillhort shares advice to others that are coming up through that life. "I would say to always be present. That's something I've worked more toward the last few years. Lots of the time I like to look ahead, but sometimes you need to step back and see where you are right now because in the past, that's somewhere you maybe wanted to be. Every day is going to be something new and you should be grateful for all the opportunities you get in sports and your education, cherish it because it goes quick."
Hillhorst beams when talking about her family, people who have supported her through it all and she's always quick to say she wouldn't be where she is today without them. "They mean the world to me. They've always been my biggest supporters. I have two older brothers who have also been through sport, so I've learned from them when it comes to what I should expect. I know they'll always be there and I know they'll be coming for a lot of weekends to come watch. It really means the world to me."
No matter the team, no matter the school, no matter the province, Callie Hillhorst will always be a leader and do great things that make those around her proud.