CALGARY – Rugby is a family affair in the Menin household.
Following in the footsteps of her older sisters Jade and DaLeaka, both of whom played for the Dinos women's rugby program, Kasselle stepped in to have a remarkable season in 2018-19, earning a Dr. Dennis Kadatz Athlete of the Year nomination.
At the age of 12 in Grade 7, Menin the youngest began her rugby journey alongside her sisters and role models.
"I saw my sisters playing it and I thought it would be fun to play too," said the 2018 Canada West player of the year and first team All-Canadian. "I tried a lot of sports in junior high and realized that rugby was the one I liked the most!"
Recovery from injuries was a must this year as she was cleared to play just two days shy of the first game of the season.
"I had my foot taped for the entire season and am still dealing with my sprained foot up until now," she said. "As an athlete I have learned that injuries are just something you have to learn to manage.
"It's very physical, so you have to make sure your body is ready to play the next game. Managing your body is not easy so self care if very important, especially the mind-body balance."
Kasselle made it a three-peat for the Menin sisters with her Canada West MVP nod after back-to-back honours for DaLeaka in 2016 and 2017. But it was another three-peat she pointed to as a highlight, as the Dinos defeated Victoria to capture their third straight conference title in Edmonton last fall.
"One of the greatest feelings is to win with the team, especially winning all three years against the Vikes. We beat them three years in a row!
"The experience of being in a Canada West final game is unique because everything is happening all at once, there is a quick turnover to qualify for the finals, so when we are playing we have to switch our focus to get right back on track."
Winning three straight titles is never simple, given the inevitable turnover in players, but Kasselle and the Dinos were able to put it together to pick up the Canada West banner.
"New players, new teams, finding the groove with each person entering on the field is difficult as you have to be ready to play everyone and anyone," she said. "Being able to read different people and their positions on the field is something we deal with every season, so that would definitely be the most challenging aspect encountered so far."
It was a big transition not having DaLeaka in the lineup after spending the first four seasons of her Dinos journey playing alongside her sister.
"It was challenging without my sister as it was easy to find her on the field as opposed to find someone new on the field. Having that connection was always something I valued, so losing that connection was hard when she was no longer on the team."
Hard work, determination, grit and the loving support from her family is what motivates her to push every game.
"My family is very involved and comes to watch all of our games," she said. "My mom is someone you can always see and hear in the crowd, she brings her cowbell and everyone knows it's my mom! My family is so supportive and has always been there on the sidelines cheering for the Menin sisters!"
With four years under her belt, Kasselle has one more season of varsity eligibility to play out in 2019-20.
Menin is one of six female Dinos athletes who have received Awards of Merit and are up for the Dr. Dennis Kadatz Athlete of the Year. The hardware will be handed out at the 52nd Annual Night of the Dino awards gala Tuesday, April 9, at the Red and White Club at McMahon Stadium.
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