Mackeely and Taydon Shantz grew up in the small town of Plattsville, Ontario, and in their household, they were always playing sports. Now Taydon is playing for the men’s Volleyball team at Nippsing University and Mackeely Shantz is Playing for the women’s basketball team at Guelph University. But let’s jump back some years to when they were younger and where their passion for sports started.
Both siblings always loved playing sports when they were younger and wanted to continue playing their sports the older they got. “It was only around grade 10 that the reality of playing at the university level became a thing.” Mackeely started playing basketball when she was in grade two at the local public school in Plattsville.
“I tell my sister all the time that she was the reason I started playing basketball, from when I was able to sit on the bench and watch her team win the championships when I was in grade two.”
Taydon didn’t start playing club volleyball until he was sixteen. “I stopped playing hockey in my u16 year and then joined the predator’s volleyball team.” Taydon talked about it being one of his best decisions to change sports and is very happy with his choice to do so.
The Shantz parents both played university sports at well. Jim played for the men’s Volleyball team at Western and Lara played for the women’s volleyball team at Western. Taydon and Mackeely gave so much credit to their parents helping them get to where they are today.
When they were asked the question about how their parents helped them along the way they had very similar responses. Taydon and Mackeely both talked about how they were so supportive and always there for them.
“My dad drove to Sue Saint Maire which is a nine-hour drive to watch me play against Algoma.”
Taydon is in his first year playing at Nipping and has had a good start to his freshman year. Mackeely is in her fourth year at Guelph and is continuing to prove herself as one of the best players in the province. In her freshman year, she was named an OUA All-Rookie. Last season she was named an OUA West All-Star. They are both grateful for where they are in their careers and look to continue them in the years to come.
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