Is there a VanderSchee on Campus?

by ACAC Sports Writer Curtis J. Phillips

When it comes to the history of The Kings University Eagles athletics, a surname that pops up a lot…be it badminton, soccer or volleyball…is VanderSchee.

Adam, Cassidy, Ryleigh and Tashelle VanderSchee. have all called the Edmonton-campus home at one time or another.

Cassidy laced up the soccer cleats for the Eagles from 2009-2014 while sister Tashelle hit the hardwood for volleyball from 2010 -2012 before switching over to soccer to join Cassidy.

For their final semester together at the school, the sisters were joined by brother Adam. 

Adam was an original member of The Kings inaugural season in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) badminton. Now in year No. 3 with badminton racquet in hand, the Lacombe, Alberta native is joined by yet another sibling in the presence of younger sister Ryleigh VanderSchee, who is also a member of the badminton team. 

Asked if there was any pressure in following in the footsteps of three other siblings as a student/athlete into the same post-secondary institution, Ryleigh, 18 responded: "My three older siblings all went to Kings and it sounded like a great college and I liked the smaller class sizes."

An all-around athlete at Central Alberta Christian High School, part of a provincial high school silver medal basketball squad, Ryleigh said she decided to only tryout for the Eagles badminton team and not any other teams because, "I wanted to have time for other things and to concentrate on school."

Playing women's singles and mixed doubles, where brother Adam is her partner, Ryleigh said she comes from a "sporting family" with their father Lennard "playing recreational hockey" and mother Colleen having also played badminton in the ACAC. 

"We all enjoy sports but we make time for other things. It is not our No. 1 priority. But we still like to stay active."

Of her first-year experience at Kings: "I like it because it is community-like here at Kings. Here you may make better relationships with people because they have the same beliefs that you have. I live in residence and it is a Christian college and close to home."

Enrolled in a Biology Program with interest of pursuing a Masters in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy, Ryleigh knows of the history of ACAC badminton and the dominance of schools like NAIT Ooks.

"When we play teams like (NAIT) we try out best. Whatever happens, happens. We go in with a positive attitude. Anything can happen." 

A multi-sport athlete in high school, Adam,  aside from the Eagles badminton team, is also a member of the Eagles men's hockey team in club play. 

"We play against an Eagles alumni team and another team called the Rafters," said Adam, enrolled in Business and Commerce.

Of the Eagles badminton team he says: "In our first year it wasn't as competitive in trying out and making the team but we have become more competitive over the years.

"Some of the players on the other teams have been playing since they were a young age, where a lot of the people on our team didn't start playing until junior high.

"But as we learn, we have all improved and now we can keep with them a little bit closer."

A fledgling long-distance runner, Adam says he enjoys playing mixed doubles with his younger sister: "It's fun. It's also good that as siblings we get along and don't fight. Sometimes if you play with someone you don't know that well, it can be tense. I can be more honest with her."

The VanderSchee name is well-respected on campus. A fifth VanderSchee may be waiting in the wings as younger brother Spencer, also an all-around athlete, is in his final year of high school.