Keyano Huskies Experience Global Learning Beyond the Court

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Thanks to the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program, Keyano College's Huskies athletes experienced life-changing international trips to Japan and Serbia, opportunities that extended far beyond sports. These journeys enabled student-athletes to immerse themselves in new cultures, deepen team bonds, and develop global perspectives, showcasing the value of Keyano's commitment to providing impactful international experiences. The GSO program, part of the Government of Canada's Outbound Student Mobility Pilot, provided the funding to give Keyano's students access to these transformative experiences. The program helps students develop intercultural competencies and professional skills while reducing barriers to international opportunities.

 Women's Basketball in Serbia Offers Cultural Exploration

The Keyano Huskies Women's Basketball team travelled to Serbia, a country passionate about basketball and rich in cultural history. Marijana Besic, a student-athlete at Keyano and originally from Serbia, took the journey to share the beauty of her homeland with teammates. "It feels incredibly rewarding and exciting to share my home country with my teammates," said Marijana. "There's a deep pride in introducing them to Serbia's rich culture, history, and traditions, especially in my hometown of Pančevo."

As the team travelled through Serbia and learned about the country's culture, history, and customs, they better understood what drives Marijana's passion for the game. Head Coach Dwayne Vigilance acknowledged the significance to the team, stating, "Marijana has been an essential player within our program. Her international experience and leadership have been vital in shaping this year's team." Beyond the basketball courts, the Huskies engaged in educational sessions on women in business and sport, gaining valuable insights beyond athletics. The trip underscored how the international experience helped students grow personally and professionally.

Men's Volleyball Trip to Japan Focuses on Team Unity and Discipline

The Keyano Huskies Men's Volleyball team journeyed to Japan, where they encountered a volleyball culture defined by speed, precision, and discipline. Head Coach Keegan Kuhr was impressed by the level of play and how it influenced his team. "The way volleyball is played in Japan is so beautiful. The ball control and speed are incredible," said Keegan. "But beyond the game, the team bonding over the two weeks was amazing. This was a trip of a lifetime for our players."

The trip allowed the team to experience Japanese culture firsthand, from exploring Tokyo's landmarks to learning the art of sushi-making. The cultural exchange with local volleyball teams significantly impacted student-athlete Anderson King. "For a student-athlete to do an international trip for academic and athletic purposes is truly a dream come true," said Anderson. "The respect and discipline the Japanese teams showed in every aspect of the game was incredible. They welcomed us as friends, not just opponents." The trip also provided student-athletes like Joao Gabriel with new perspectives. "This trip changed my perspective upside down. The discipline and focus of Japanese athletes are unmatched, and we can all learn from it," Joao reflected, highlighting how these lessons in discipline could enhance their game.

Global Experiences Shape Keyano Athletes

These international experiences were about more than competition. Through the support of the GSO program, Keyano College's athletes honed their athletic skills. They developed as individuals with broadened worldviews and a deeper appreciation for different cultures. These trips will leave a lasting impact on our students, shaping them for success in a globalized world.