Smart receives inaugural honour certificate as Griffins launch partnership with EPS
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Women's soccer captain Kristyn Smart received the inaugural Edmonton Police Service honour certificate during MacEwan's women's basketball game last Friday night.
The new initiative is a partnership between the EPS and MacEwan Athletics aimed at honouring Griffins female student-athletes for their contributions to their team and community.
"This is a fabulous partnership to highlight our association with the EPS and our community, and to recognize our student-athletes who are going above and beyond," said MacEwan Director of Athletics Ken Schildroth.
In return, the Griffins will be sending teams to participate in the EPS' recruit for a day program next August – a perfect team bonding exercise as student-athletes will be put through their paces on an obstacle course and learn more about what a potential career with the EPS would entail.
"It's a great partnership for both organizations, who are very committed to community service," said Schildroth.
Smart, who came back from two ACL tears to play for the Griffins women's soccer team late in the season and the playoffs, is a testament to the tenacity and will required to be a leader at the university level.
As a student, she carries a 4.0 GPA but has still found time to volunteer. Her many contributions include coaching youth sports, fundraising for non-profit organizations, delivering gifts for Santa's Anonymous and, most recently, volunteering with the Paralympic Sports Association.
The EPS will be awarding honour certificates to student-athletes on the Griffins women's volleyball team on Friday when they host Mount Royal University (6 p.m., David Atkinson Gym), the women's basketball team on Jan. 25 and the women's hockey team on Feb. 2.
