The value of teamwork

Brent Forster - RDC

Video - Scott Malo

For local student-athlete Cody White, the concept of working together toward a common goal is visible while wearing the RDC Kings jersey in competition, but he has also seen similar support and collaboration around Red Deer College. "It's the community that makes me think RDC is different than every other school," he explains. "You just walk around the hallways and see everyone smiling. You can talk to anybody - everybody is so open."

White's connection to RDC started developing at an early age when his family first moved to the community. "I've been in Red Deer since I was about five years old. This is my city and I have a lot of pride for Red Deer," he explains. "I grew up always hearing about RDC and cheering on the basketball team."

As White continued to follow the RDC Kings Basketball team over the years, he was also forging his own path on the court. His talent and love of sport translated into a starring role with the École Secondaire Notre Dame High School Cougars.

White's strong play and leadership, which featured a nomination for the Notre Dame Male Athlete of the Year in 2016, garnered attention from post-secondary schools, including from the one he grew up watching.

RDC Kings Basketball Head Coach Clayton Pottinger was impressed with White and recruited him out of high school. Then, it was an easy decision to attend the college and play for the basketball program that he followed for over a decade.

"When I heard that they were looking at me straight out of high school, I was obviously excited," says White. "So when Clayton recruited me, I knew this was the school I wanted to come to."

Now in his third-year, White has seen his childhood dream come to fruition as he transitioned from basketball fan to Kings Basketball player. "It's awesome coming here and being a part of the team - being a part of the program," he says. "It's all I could have wished for when I was a kid growing up."

As a talented guard in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), of which RDC is a proud member, basketball is a focus in White's life, but not the only one. "I came here to play basketball and then I became really interested in Kinesiology, and helping people in sports. Along with the courses here, it fits directly with what I want to do," he says. "I'm hoping to get into physiotherapy after my diploma at RDC."

White is enrolled in the College's Kinesiology & Sport Studies Diploma with a General major, which will provide him with several educational opportunities including the ability to complete a bachelor's degree. The program also offers specializations in Fitness and Health Promotion and Adaption Physical Education.

In addition to the connection with his teammates, White appreciates the ability to develop personal ties in his classes as well. "I know all my instructors really well. The teachers are really good," he says. "They're all really friendly and easy to communicate with, which makes it easier to learn. It's a really good community."