Karlee Durfey named Canada West Female Athlete of the Week
Karlee Durfey is a veteran Horns rugby squad mate and was recognized by Canada West last week as their female player of the week. Karlee’s leadership on and off the field makes her a fantastic selection for the award, and she took some time to talk to Lethbridge Sports about her honor. But first we wanted to get her thoughts about the big Horns’ win over the Dinos at home last weekend. “I think it meant a lot.” Karlee shares. “It was our last home game of the season. It was also my last home game as a senior not returning next year. Losing to Calgary in our first game against them, it was our time to replay our game and play how we know we can.”
The Canada West Player of the Week award was Karlee’s first league level recognition. “I was pretty surprised about that honor.” She laughs. “I’m not sure what to say. That game was definitely a team effort.” We asked Karlee if she thinks that this exposure will help her in her Rugby career after graduation. “I think it will.” Karlee shares. “I’m not sure what’s in store for me at this point. I have another year of eligibility so I haven’t fully decided. This might be the push in the right direction to decide how to finish up my career.”
Karlee tells us after we pry a bit what her current plans for the future are. “After I graduate with Bachelors of Kinesiology I want to gain a Masters in social work.” Karlee isn’t sure what her rugby future holds, but if she’s able to land a Masters spot at UofL then she would apply to finish her final eligible playing year with the squad. We asked her what is drawing her to social work as a vocation. “The draw of social work is I have a nonprofit helping kids fight cancer.” Karlee is referring to Bo Smith and Co, which sells custom embroidered clothing with the proceeds going to families with children battling cancer. “That’s gearing me to help people go through events like my family has went through.”
Karlee is referring to her niece, Bo, who was diagnosed at 2 years old with cancer. “Since then it’s been a long road but very rewarding.” Karlee says. “My family received lots of support through a GoFundMe campaign I set up. The nonprofit was originally my sisters idea as a way to give back, and so Bo Smith and Co was created. People around Lethbridge’s support has been really amazing. It’s a topic not always spoken about so it’s been great to bring that to Lethbridge.”
Despite the work being rewarding and having had the opportunity to make a big impact on many people’s lives already, Karlee admits it isn’t always easy. “I would say there are hard moments. Reading about other people’s stories sometimes outweigh the good moments. It’s been eye opening for me seeing Bo get diagnosed when I of course never thought she would be diagnosed with Cancer.” Karlee is happy about the progress Bo Smith and Co are making and hopes to continue that journey. “I think the path we’re on is a good one. Being a student, athlete and nonprofit owner all at once makes that harder, but it’s worth it. Selling more of our apparel and raising funds for our families who need it are in our sights for the future. My sister and I are doing it and we’re going to keep that up.”
Karlee credits her teammates for supporting her on the journey and helping her balance her commitments. “The support I’ve received from my teammates is really great and so are Pronghorns as a whole. Many have purchased our apparel, and we had 6 volunteers at the Kids Cancer Awareness game selling tshirts and helping get the message out.” Someone else who was at the game was Bo herself, recently diagnosed as being in remission. “After the game Bo was very excited.” Karlee tells us. “She got a bit shy but we were all very excited with my nieces and nephews there. When we got home she bragged about being on the field and how great it was. She loved it.” Bo was the center of a pre-game ceremony to raise awareness for childhood cancers, and personally delivered the game ball to her aunt.
As we wrap up the interview, Karlee has a few words for those coming up after her to consider. “To student athletes, being an athlete is a great way to use topics you feel strongly about to get the word out about things that need attention. In my case that’s childhood cancer. Being a student athlete has given me a whole different crowd to draw attention to this topic.” Karlee hopes her rallying cry will move other students – both present and future – to pursue their own causes and contribute to the community. For now, Karlee is looking forward to the remainder of the Rugby season, finishing out her bachelor’s degree and graduating this year, and enjoying her larger audience as the USports female athlete of the week.