CALEDONIA—Exciting opportunities are on the horizon for McKinnon Park Secondary School (MPSS) students Averie Marciniak-Varhaug and Emmersyn Roy.
The pair recently signed separate scholarship offers to attend university in the United States, where they will continue to develop their skills in basketball and soccer respectively.
This fall, Roy is headed to Canisius University in Buffalo, New York, while Marciniak-Varhaug is off to the University of Northern Colorado.
Both were celebrated at a special signing day event held at McKinnon Park on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The Press spoke with the pair about their past successes and what they are most looking forward to as they pursue their studies and athletic opportunities abroad.
Marciniak-Varhaug said, “I’ve been playing basketball since Grade 2. I’m 17 years old with two younger siblings and I come from a big sports family. My current team is Hamilton Yellow Jackets JUEL; this will be my third season with them.”
Roy said she has always enjoyed sports, having played many during her years at MPSS, including field hockey, basketball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, and – of course – soccer.
“I have two older sisters that have helped develop me into the person I am today. My family is competitive and that’s where I get my determination and drive to continue my get athletic career at the Division 1 level,” she shared.
It’s the team atmosphere and friendships, with a healthy dose of competition, that Marciniak-Varhaug loves most about playing basketball.
“I have developed my skill over time by lots of practice, working out and pushing myself out of my comfort zone to do harder things,” she said.
Roy largely shared the same sentiment, praising the teams she’s played on for having her back: “Soccer has helped me grow my confidence and become the person I am today. I am resilient and have overcome so much adversity that has led me to the position I am in today.”
In addition to playing for Hamilton United – a team in the Ontario Player Development League – since she was just 12 years old, Roy has also banked experience playing south of the border with two years as a member of WNY Flash Academy, a Buffalo-based team in the Elite Clubs National League that has seen her travel to different states to compete.
Both students praised the positive impact playing sports has had on them as they’ve progressed through high school.
Marciniak-Varhaug said, “Being a student-athlete is beneficial because it teaches strong time-management skills, builds teamwork and leadership. It also created amazing friends, boosted my confidence, and I think it will open doors to academic or career opportunities.”
Roy concurred, adding, “I have learned how to manage my time in a responsible way to balance my busy schedule. From having soccer five to six nights a week and also having assignments, tests, and presentations, it can be very stressful and overwhelming. Although by developing these skills I managed to keep my academics and athletic performance very sharp.”
Beyond athletics, the pair are both looking forward to their chosen school programs. Marciniak-Varhaug will be studying teaching, while Roy is taking business studies.
“One of the biggest reasons I’m excited for this path is how much I truly enjoy working with young children,” shared Marciniak-Varhaug. “Their energy, curiosity, and unique way of seeing the world inspire me, and I love being part of those early moments where learning feels magical. Helping them grow, explore, and build confidence is something that brings me a lot of joy, and I’m eager to continue that work in a professional setting.”
Roy has her athletic sights set high, stating, “After university, I may want to see if can play soccer professionally before I start my full-time career.”
Both thanked their parents for helping them achieve their goals, in addition to Coach Rachelle Abella (Marciniak-Varhaug) and Coach Carmine Lancia (Roy), as they prepare for Division 1 competition.
Marciniak-Varhaug said, “I’m most looking forward to playing at the next level and making the most of it with a great group of girls. I’m excited to make new bonds with coaches and meet new people.”
Roy said, “I am looking forward to hopefully winning our conference because we were in the championship finals this year. I am also looking forward meeting my new teammates from all around the states and other countries like England and Australia.”
The Press congratulates both on their accomplishments and wishes them the best in their studies and athletic pursuits. Go show them how we do things in Caledonia!
