Former Pronghorns women's basketball player, three-time graduate and Pronghorn parent Crystal Lothian (Kain) (BA '99, BEd '01, MEd '20) has been named the inaugural winner of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Alumni of the Year Award.

Lothian was a member of the Pronghorns Women's Basketball Team for the 1993-94, 96-97 and 97-98 seasons, playing under Head Coach, Dori Johnson (Rodzinyak). Lothian's time as a Pronghorn laid the foundation for leadership, which propelled her to become a leader in the education sector and promoted a lifelong dedication to volunteerism. Lothian is a champion for education, currently holding the position of Director of Support Services for Holy Spirit Catholic Schools and brings eight years of leadership and administration experience, including three years as Principal for St. Francis Junior High School.
 
On her experience as a Pronghorn athlete, Lothian said, "Participating in athletics at the post-secondary level provided me with an opportunity to develop many transferable skills which are instrumental within the sectors of education and leadership. As a student athlete, I had the incredible opportunity to gain invaluable skills from so many impactful people: teammates, coaches, community members, and alumni. During this memorable time, I developed essential skills and attributes like teamwork, accountability, adaptability, advocacy and compassion which continue to be critical in my work serving the staff, students and families as the Director of Support Services in Holy Spirit Catholic Schools."
 
Through her work, Lothian strives to support students, staff and families throughout southern Alberta from urban to rural. Lothian aims to lead by example, as a role model to women and connector for newcomers to Canada. Lothian has over 20 years experience as a volunteer coach for a variety of sports at the elementary and junior high school level, as well as time as a community basketball coach for S.T.A.R.S., Lethbridge Minor Basketball Association and Cougar Club Basketball.
 
"My inspiration to make a difference comes directly from the example of the many people I am surrounded by in our local communities. I am so fortunate that through my vocational calling within education, I have the privilege of bearing witness to many staff, students and colleagues who truly embody servant leadership; through these moments, one can't help but be inspired. 
 
There are so many wonderful people who have come into my life through athletic, academic, vocational and volunteer experiences, continually reminding me of the power of collective efficacy and how the work to bring about change can happen when there is a relentless commitment to be better and do better. I try to take a page out of their example and apply this approach of knowing, being and doing in both my personal and professional life each and every day. By following in the footsteps of the many impactful mentors I have had over the years, I strive to embody the same spirit of service and gratitude I was shown and, in turn, inspire others, too."
 
The Pronghorn Alumni of the Year Award is a new award for Pronghorn Athletics, which recognizes an outstanding alumni based on their contributions to public service, excellence in their field of work, service to Pronghorn Athletics, educational achievements and beyond.
 
The award, which will be presented at the 56^th Annual Blue and Gold Awards Banquet has a special story that is close to the hearts of Pronghorn Athletics and the University of Lethbridge. The award is a bronze pronghorn sculpture by artist, Cornelius Martens. The bronze was donated to the Pronghorn Athletics by Knud Petersen in the mid 1990s. The large-scale work, Pronghorn, 2001 was also sculpted by the late Cornelius Martens and donated to the University of Lethbridge by Drs. Ingrid and Ray Speaker. The bronze sculpture is currently located in the LINC building of the University of Lethbridge. Martens was awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Laws by the University of Lethbridge in 1996. Pronghorn Athletics is honoured to recognize the contributions of exceptional alumni with this special piece of University of Lethbridge history for years to come.
 
"Our department is committed to enhancing and improving our engagement with Pronghorn Alumni. Over the past few years we have made significant strides in reaching back and re-engaging with those who've previously represented the Horns. This new award is another step towards recognizing and celebrating former Pronghorn athletes who have become leaders in communities near and abroad, and have distinguished themselves above others in making significant professional and/or volunteer contributions to society," said Paula Gorman, Alumni Relations for Pronghorn Athletics. 

"Crystal has a deep commitment to her community. She continues to live out the Pronghorn values in her professional, personal and volunteer service following her time as a Pronghorn."

Lothian is a continued supporter of Pronghorn Athletics, attending basketball games and swim meets, cheering on her daughter, Finley, Pronghorn Swim athlete. Lothian is also a dedicated volunteer to the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club, where she is a board member.
 
 "As a parent and Pronghorn alum, I am thrilled that Finley has chosen the University of Lethbridge as she looks to pursue her academic passion and athletic interests as a student athlete. Following in the footsteps of several family members, Fin now adds to the shared experience that will forever connect her to this place and to the people who have already and will still be part of her journey. Her time at the University as a Pronghorn student athlete will weave together the threads of who she is and who she will become, forming an integral part of her overall lived experience. This is something that will undoubtedly connect the two of us in a special way forever," said Lothian.
 
Lothian has left a legacy within her own family, the University of Lethbridge, in Lethbridge and the surrounding community. Lothian has set both the framework for student support to learn and excel, as well as an example for women to succeed in positions of leadership.
 
"I am so blessed to be recognized for this award as it is an incredible honor. Being named is genuinely surprising to me, as there are so many Pronghorn Alumni who have set the example of what it means to live out Pronghorn Athletics' core values and have helped shape the person I am and continue to strive to become. In reflecting upon being recognized and seeing a connection between my student athlete days and now, perhaps what resonates most is my commitment to continual growth, a selfless spirit of giving and the importance of embracing community. This is what it really means to be a Pronghorn for life!"