The 2025-26 season marked a milestone for Medicine Hat College (MHC) Rattlers Athletics. Improving on the mark from previous years, Rattlers student-athletes dedicated over 6,000 hours to volunteering in the community this past season.

The Rattlers student-athletes have a long-standing tradition of volunteering. Their efforts were previously recognized with the CCAA Community Service Award four times, a national award given to the institution that had the most impact in its community.

Surpassing the mark of 5,600 hours from last year, the Rattlers achieved their goal of volunteering over 6,000 hours in celebration of Medicine Hat College’s 60th anniversary. In eight months, the student-athletes volunteered with 106 different organizations and events, including Meals on Wheels, Prairie Gleaners, SPCA, Salvation Army, Medicine Hat Health Foundation, and the Root Cellar. Classroom visits were also a priority for the organization, allowing student athletes to meet with the youngest members of the community

Abby Lalach, an MHC Rattlers Women’s Soccer and Futsal student-athlete originally from Cranbrook, BC, found the volunteer program to be a way to integrate into Medicine Hat. Abby participated in Ross Glen’s Annual Literacy Heroes Afternoon and shared that, “Being a Rattler and having so many opportunities to volunteer and engage truly makes a difference! It makes me feel connected and part of the community.”

Terry Ballard, manager of athletics and recreation at MHC, highlighted how important this is for the Rattlers: “Medicine Hat College is so very proud of our student-athletes for fully embracing the Rattlers Athletics Three Pillars of Academics, Athletics, and Citizenship. By engaging with the Medicine Hat community and volunteering over 6,000 hours this past season with so many great causes, they are truly giving back. From ringing kettle bells with the Salvation Army and working at the Root Cellar to reading to school children, judging science fairs, and coaching young athletes in all types of activities and sports, Rattlers student-athletes truly understand what it means to be part of a community.”

Reflecting on their own past, MHC student-athletes understand the importance of a coach, and as a result, the majority of volunteer hours were dedicated to coaching in schools and club programs. With participation from student-athletes across all Rattlers sports - Basketball, Cross Country Running, Futsal, Golf, Hockey, Indoor Track, Soccer, and Volleyball - the students dedicated over 3,500 hours to coaching the next generation in Medicine Hat.

Medicine Hat College Rattlers Athletics is extremely proud of what was achieved this past season and understands how important these past eight months have been for everyone involved. Starting Fall 2026, the volunteer program begins all over again.