Dive into "From The Throne" to explore the personal reflections of players and coaches that highlight their personal journeys, pivotal moments and behind-the-scenes stories that shape their careers. These features paint a personal portrait of the people behind their accomplishments.

Kaleigh MacIntyre played for the Durham College women's softball team beginning in 2018, until her final season in 2023.
 
During that time, Kaleigh temporarily stepped away to start a family, returned to college to further her education and walked across the stage at convocation having won the The Doris and Gordon Willey Founder's Cup for Excellence.
 
Below is Kaleigh's story of a long and meaningful career.  

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When I joined the Durham Lords in 2018, I had no idea what I was in for.
 
I had no clue how much my life would change over the next five years.
 
I was just a first-year student-athlete, excited to be playing college softball, but also dealing with the pressure of school, work, two concussions, and a global pandemic.
 
Somehow, I got through it all.
 
But in my fifth year, I faced my biggest challenge yet.
 
I became a mom.
 
I had to take time away from the team to raise my son, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to return to the field.
 
I was running out of gas, but I wasn't ready to give up.
 
I walked into Coach Baker's office with my 6-week-old baby in my arms and told him I wanted to come back.
 
He believed in me and gave me the opportunity to train and earn my spot back on the team.
 
With the support of my husband, teammates, and coaches, I was able to make it all work.
 
The grind that followed was nothing short of intense. Juggling being a new mom, coaching, academics, and college athletics was incredibly tough.
 
There were days when it felt overwhelming, but my son was my motivation. I wanted to show him what perseverance and resilience looks like.
 
I finished my graduate certificate in Victimology, and we won a silver medal at Nationals.
 
As a Lord, I accomplished everything I set out to do.
 
I'm so grateful for my time at Durham College and proud of what I was able to achieve, both on and off the field.
 
 
Leaving it all on the field
 
Joining the Lords was a life-changing decision.
 
My original plan was to play college softball in the US, but I decided to come home to be closer to my family and help take care of my mom.
 
It was a difficult decision, but looking back, it was the best thing that could have happened to me.
 
I joined an incredibly talented and hardworking team, and together, we won two OCAA gold medals, two OCAA silver medals, and two silver medals at the Canadian National Championships.
 
It was an amazing experience, and I have so many cherished memories from those games.
 
My first year with the team, we came second at Nationals. Even though we didn't win, we battled through the freezing cold and gave it everything we had. I remember feeling so proud of my teammates and myself for pushing through those tough conditions.
 
Winning the OCAA Championship in 2021 was another highlight, especially after the isolation of COVID. It wasn't just about winning the title — it felt like a victory for all of us who had endured so much during the pandemic.
 
But my most cherished memory is my senior night.
 
Walking onto the field for the last time, knowing that I had completed my journey as a Durham Lord, was emotional.
 
And when I reached the end of the field, I was greeted by my husband and son.
 
It was the perfect moment, a culmination of five years of hard work, sacrifice, and growth.
 
I felt like I had truly made it, and I was so proud of everything I had overcome to get there.
 
 
More than just a sports career
 
Beyond athletics, I really immersed myself in the college experience.
 
I worked at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre every year while attending school, which not only gave me valuable work experience but also helped me stay connected to the campus community.
 
I wanted to make the most of my time at Durham, both on the field and off.
 
In addition to being a student-athlete and campus employee, I've also had the privilege of serving as the head coach in the Whitby Eagles Softball Association since 2021.
 
Coaching allowed me to give back to the sport I love while continuing to grow as a leader and mentor.
 
It's been amazing to work with young athletes and see them develop, while also strengthening my own connection to the softball community.
 
Looking back, my time at Durham College was more than just a sports career.
 
It was a period of growth, learning, and building lasting relationships.
 
I'm so proud of what I accomplished both on and off the field, and I'm excited to carry these experiences with me into whatever comes next.
 
 
Excellence through perseverance
 
At convocation, I was beyond honoured to have been awarded The Doris and Gordon Willey Founder's Cup for Excellence.
 
This award is presented annually to the Durham College student who best demonstrates the attributes of scholarship, leadership, integrity, and involvement in college affairs.
 
It's a reflection of the college's motto — "Excellence through perseverance."
 
There were definitely tough moments, but this award reminds me that all the effort, late nights, and sacrifices have paid off.
 
I want to thank those who nominated me and believed in me, as well as the college for this recognition.
 
It's a reminder that with focus, commitment, and the right support, you can accomplish more than you think.
 
I'm truly grateful for this honour.
 
 
The future
 
After completing my placement with the Port Hope Police Service, I was really determined to pursue a career in policing.
 
That led to me landing a summer position as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer with the Municipality of Port Hope, which has been an amazing learning experience.
I've also continued coaching my youth softball team with the Whitby Eagles, which has been incredibly rewarding.
 
On top of that, I've been busy raising my son, who is now almost two!
 
Right now, I'm focused on gaining more experience in the field as I work towards my ultimate goal of becoming a police officer.
 
There's still a lot of work to be done, but I'm committed and excited to keep pushing forward to make that dream a reality.
 
Thank you, Durham College, for everything.