By Jadon Frank

Mikayla Reinhardt is one of the most consistent players in the ACAC this year – the statistics prove it.

The second year BA Humanities student currently sits fifth in the ACAC in kills, tied for 17^th in service aces, and 10th for digs. She is one of only two players on the Briercrest team who have played in every game this season and is in the top four on the team in every statistical category.

The outside hitter, who hails from a farm outside Strathmore, Alberta, had a strong rookie season in 2011-12, so her performance this season is no surprise to head coach Nolan Weinmaster.

“Mikayla has picked right up where she left off at the end of last season and has been really modeling consistency for us in all aspects of the game,” Weinmaster said. “Her teammates feed off of her consistent and aggressive attacking and serving and she makes everyone around her better with her ball control on defense and her passing on serve receive.”

Reinhardt prides herself on her consistency.

“I am a pretty consistent person,” Reinhardt said. “I don’t go through mood swings and am just the same person every day. That is on the court too, I am consistent and that is the way I love to play.”

Reinhardt’s consistency has been engrained in her from her mother who would tell her, “No matter where you are in life, don't change yourself to be someone you're not."

“My mom has had the biggest impact on my life,” Reinhardt said. “She always pushed me into things I was uncertain about and in the end I can't thank her enough for doing that, though at the time it may annoy me to no end. “

Reinhardt has really enjoyed her experience at Briercrest, in particular her team.

“My favourite thing about Briercrest would definitely be the friendships that I have made,” Reinhardt said, “It is so nice to be in a community like this. You can’t find this anywhere else. With my team, it would be the community again. There is usually drama on every other team, there is none on this team and it is awesome.”

Weinmaster has appreciated the impact that Reinhardt has had on the team beyond simply her athletic ability.

“I have appreciated Miky’s leadership this year as she has taken on the role of floor captain and has been a real leader by example on the court in just her second year,” Weinmaster said. “I look forward to her continuing to take her game and the team to the next level in the second part of the season as she helps lead us into a playoff run!”

Reinhardt wants to help her team in any way she can.

“As an athlete, my goal is to reach my potential and be the best I can to help my team,” the outside hitter said.

Reinhardt does not know what the future holds for her, but has been influenced by her favourite show, “Criminal Minds.”

“I honestly have no idea as to what I want to do with my life,” Reinhardt said.  “I am currently pursuing psychology in the justice field, but even that is a vague plan. I know I want to help people with whatever I do.”

When a student is asked what they would like to do after college the typical answer is to travel. Reinhardt has a similar answer, but with a different vision.

“I would travel, but to places that are off the beaten path,” Reinhardt said. “Not your typical places. For example, go camping in Africa.”

“If I could do one thing to change the world I would spread out all of our resources evenly throughout the world,” Reinhardt said, “because we have enough to go around, but in Canada and the States and Europe, we are very selfish and needy people.”

No matter what Reinhardt is trying to live with no regrets, and to the fullest.

"If I could give a piece of advice it would be to remember that no matter what you do or where you end up in life grab every opportunity because regret should not take happiness' place."