By Jadon Frank

Meghan Carr stands tall on the court and in the classroom.

The 6’2” Victoria, BC native says she transferred from Columbia Bible College to Briercrest in the summer of 2011 largely because of the reputation of Briercrest, and the impact has been felt both directions.

“The Applied Linguistics TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) program brought me here,” Carr said. “I heard a lot about how incredible the TESOL program is here. I did the Kaleo program with Briercrest before this, so knew about Briercrest and had credits towards Briercrest. So, I came and realized that I love it here.”

Carr has found the basketball experience to be a unique and special one at Briercrest.

 “I think something really special about us is that we as a team are playing for God’s glory and not for our name or glory,” Carr said. “That’s bigger and higher motivation than for ourselves.”

She quickly made her presence known in her first ACAC contest with a 10 point, six block, four rebound performance against Red Deer College Oct. 21, 2011.

“Athletically blocking shots always really pumps me up, and there was this one game my first year of college where I got 10-12 blocks,” the post said. “It was pretty great.”

Women’s basketball head coach Chad Romanuk has been thrilled with the impact that Carr has had on the court.

“Meghan has been an amazing addition to our team the past two years,” Romanuk said. “She brings skill to both the offense and the defensive ends of the floor.  Her ability to block shots has been a huge asset for us on the defensive end.  She led the ACAC in block shots last year and so far this year is leading in that category again.  She also led our team in scoring until she rolled her ankle at the end of last semester.” 

The third-year student-athlete hopes to use her strengths, both personally and athletically, to help the team this season.

“On the team this year I hope to set the bar in terms of work ethic and integrity, and intentionality in relationship building,” Carr said. “My biggest strength as a basketball player is definitely on the defensive end. And I hope to lead this year, not only in position, but also as an example and a player and a person.”

Coach Romanuk has observed the example that Carr has been to her teammates this season.

“Meghan has taken on a leadership role on our team this year and is leading the team spiritually alongside our chaplain, as well as being a leader on the floor,” said Romanuk. “It has been great to see her grow in this area.”

Carr wants to do the best she can in every aspect of life this season.

“My goal as a student is to study to the best of my ability,” Carr said. “I don’t have a particular GPA goal. I love learning and want to learn as much as I can as I study.  Marks are kind of secondary in that way. As an athlete, I want to be one of the best defensive players in our league this year. That is where my strengths lie. But, I also want to kind of lead our team on offense from the post. I think our team needs an offensive spark.”

The Dwight Howard (LA Lakers) fan has enjoyed some special moments during her time in Caronport.

“It is hard to pick just one favourite moment,” Carr said. “There are a lot of sweet community things in the dorm and on road trips. Probably my favourite moment is either breakfast in Banff where we drove all night and took a dip in the hot springs in Banff, or the moment in my teaching practicum where I realized that I love teaching and I want to do it for a career and I get to study it for three more years.”

Carr loves the scent of real Chinese oolong tea, which hints at the direction her life will likely take after her time at Briercrest comes to a close.

“I’d like to travel,” Carr said. “This past summer I traveled for the first time, basically. I spent three months abroad and realized that I love to travel. Ideal for me would be to travel, teach English, love on people and minister to people as a lifelong career.”

“Some of my greatest moments have been getting through some of the hardest times in my young life: ‘He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.’ So, on that note, some great moments in my life have been when I get to share with people what God has done in my life, where I have come from, where He has brought me.”