Athlete Feature: Kendra McDonell

Kendra McDonell, a sixth-year student-athlete with the X-Women rugby team, is set to graduate from StFX University for a second time this May, earning her Bachelor of Education. McDonell first came to StFX in September of 2020 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history with a minor in English. After completing her first degree, McDonell was accepted into the university’s education program, bringing her one step closer to her goal of becoming a teacher. “I loved it here, so [I] kind of kept going,” she said. “We do have one of the best education programs here. We have a lot of practicum time compared to other schools, which realistically is the most beneficial part, I find, of the program”. Throughout her time at X, McDonell has earned recognition both on and off the field. She is a four-time Academic All-Canadian and two-time AUS All-Star, who has been honoured by the alumni association for her leadership and contributions to the X-Women rugby team, and previously received the Barry O’Leary and Chadwick Hayes Athletic scholarships from her high school.

Beyond the university, McDonell has become a strong advocate for grassroots sport. In Antigonish, she volunteers alongside former X-Women rugby player Sarah McCarron at Dr. John Hugh Gillis High School, helping to grow the game locally. She also volunteers her time in her hometown of Ottawa, Ontario, where she serves as head coach of the U12 team and youth director with the Ottawa Irish Rugby Club, overseeing scheduling and leading both the U12 and U14 programs. In addition to this, McDonell coaches her local high school program, helping to ensure continued opportunities for students to get involved in rugby. After her time at StFX, McDonell plans to begin her teaching career abroad in Australia, before returning to Canada to complete a Masters of Education.

We had a chance to sit down with Kendra and hear first-hand about her experiences as a student-athlete at StFX, and why she chose the path she did:

The Xaverian Weekly: What made you choose X?

McDonell: “Definitely a lot of family connections… but I also think, I came and toured, my grade 12 year and it was the first year that a women’s sports team in North America ever had the prime-time homecoming game and that was just such a cool experience – to see how much they were working, and pushing equality for women’s sport was awesome. And then I also think the small class sizes were definitely a big draw.”

The Weekly: How has it been having your two younger sisters come and play at X with you?

McDonell: “It’s been the best thing possible... when Macy and Ainsley were deciding I hoped so much that they would come here, because it’s so special and it’s so hard to explain to someone that’s not

here, and I knew that I could never do X and X rugby justice… getting to play with them has just been amazing, getting to share all these opportunities, the up and the down, and all the awesome things that come with it has been amazing.”

The Weekly: How do you see your role as an athlete within your community?

McDonell: “I think just always staying involved. The one thing with X athletics that has been really nice is the random little opportunities you get to help out. Whether it was like in my third year when there was a big storm [Hurricane Fiona] and we made sandwiches for the community, or the random events for literacy week, where athletes go and read to students. There’s just so many opportunities to help and they’re very easy to get into. It’s great to keep giving back to the community.”

The Weekly: If you could give advice to younger athletes or students following in your footsteps, what would you say?

McDonell: “I think do everything you can because it really flies by, and as much as it might seem tiring, it’s always going to be the best experiences you have. And just put yourself out there.”

As she turns the page on her time at StFX, McDonell leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, community, and a dedication to the sport of rugby. Her passion and contributions to future generations are proof that the student-athlete experience is about far more than sport itself. Rather, it is about the community that is created through sport and the lasting impact that it can have on the lives of those around us.