Vanden Dungen receives Academic All-Canadian honour from CCAA

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Vauxhall Advance

By Heather Cameron
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lethbridge Polytechnic Alumni Raeleen Vanden Dungen was recently named an Academic All-Canadian recipient by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

“It is an honour to receive this award, and I truly did not expect to receive it. I was surprised!” said Vanden Dungen, who graduated from Lethbridge Polytechnic last year.

Although Vanden Dungen had a short career at the Polytechnic, only playing one season on the women’s soccer team, it was a very memorable season and was a great atmosphere for her to be in. 

“We had a very successful soccer season as a team, only losing one game in regular season, and I was named the Kodiaks Student-Athlete of the Week, ACAC Athlete of the Week, CCAA Athlete of the Week, and named to the all-conference team, while maintaining honours and working full time,” said Vanden Dungen. “My experience with the Kodiaks was very positive. It was a great team environment, and the coaching staff was excellent. It was a great final season for me, and I was proud to be part of the team and what the team accomplished. It was a fun season! This was my last season of playing college or university sport and it was a good way to end my career. I plan to continue to play sport in city leagues. Sport has always been a large part of my life, so I plan to continue playing for as long as I am able.”

Besides being a student at Lethbridge Polytechnic for one semester, Vanden Dungen also graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in Kinesiology and later a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. 

During that time, Vanden Dungen says, she also played on the University of Lethbridge women’s soccer team for four years and was a U-Sport Academic All-Canadian for multiple years and was successful in academics as well, completing both of her degrees, one in Kinesiology and one in Therapeutic Recreation, with great distinction and receiving various scholarships along the way.

 “It is sad to close the chapter on University/College sport, however, I am very fortunate to have a great career and have been able to have such great experiences throughout my time playing sports,” said Vanden Dungen. “I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Those experiences, Vanden Dungen says, include support from her family.

“I grew up in Vauxhall and lived there until I graduated high school,” said Vanden Dungen. “I went on to pursue my post-secondary education in Lethbridge. I completed my practicum for my degree in Recreation Therapy in Fairview, Alberta and worked there for a year and a half. I then moved to Calgary, which is where I am currently working. Some of my family still live near Vauxhall and I visit regularly. I am quite close with my immediate and extended family. I grew up on a farm with my four siblings and we were always busy with activities, I am not sure how my parents got us to all of our activities! I still see most of my family frequently even though we live in different places. They are proud that I received this award and that I was able to play soccer at a competitive level. My family has always been a huge support to me and have always encouraged me to pursue sport and education.”

Currently, Vanden Dungen says, she is living and working in Calgary as a recreation therapist.

“Being involved in sport helped me develop many skills,” said Vanden Dungen. “I have always been quite competitive, but sport afforded me many opportunities to grow as a person. I learned that success takes hard work and dedication. I learned to work with a team, develop leadership skills, and to push through the uncomfortable. Good things truly do not come easily, and it is important to keep pushing yourself to be the best that you can be, because there is always someone better than you, so it is important not to settle. All of these skills transfer into the workplace, and I believe played a role in shaping who I am today. I have learned to try and not be afraid to take opportunities as they come even if it does involve a bit of risk. And be willing to work for your goals!