Manitoba's Credit Unions Scholar Athlete

Raylyn Koshowski of Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary - Raylyn participated in curling, mixed soccer, female soccer, badminton, mixed badminton, basketball, rugby and track and field. Outside of high school sports she plays hockey with the Grand Plains Ice Dogs AA U18 female hockey program. She’s been the recipient of the Most Improved Player Award for the school soccer team in 2022, the Spirit Award for Female Rugby in 2023, the Most Valuable Player on the JV Girls Badminton team in 2022 and was part of the Rugby Girls Champions team in 2023.

She maintained an academic average of 98% and was involved in student council, safe grad committee, mentorship committee, choir, concert band, jazz band, and the Mountain View School Division Student Voice. She is a volunteer at the Dauphin City Council Youth committee, Regional Connections, Under One Roof, Food Bank, Parade of Lights, Dauphin Minor Hockey, Grand Plains Minor Hockey, Dauphin Ochre Band Parents Organization, Dauphin Ag Society, St Viator’s Church, Knights of Columbus and Dauphin Friendship Centre. On top of all sports, activities and volunteering she works a part-time job in the community. Raylyn plans to attend university in the fall to work towards a Bachelor of Science program to pursue a career as a physiotherapist or physician.

Raylyn states: “School sports are an important part of high school. Participating in school sports provides social skills, mental health benefits, and increased academic success in addition to maintaining physical fitness.  By taking part in school sports, I gained friendships, developed strong academic skills, gained different sports communities, learned time management and essential skills I will carry forward as an adult. In maintaining a high-grade point average, I had to be disciplined and manage my time effectively.  I had to learn good study habits and techniques to ensure my academic success.    I also developed good communication skills and learned leadership skills through playing school sports.  Playing sports contributed to my academic success which has better prepared me for university. 

I made friends on teams I played on and against.  I created friendships with international students who took part in school sports which contributed to my increased global perspectives and appreciation for diverse cultures.  Sports assisted in maintaining positive mental health and in managing my anxiety.  I gained self-confidence through sport as well as developed grit, perseverance, respect, and camaraderie. Playing high school sports assisted in increasing my energy levels and developed my endurance. Sports has enriched my life in many ways.”