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At Southern Illinois University Edwardsville athletes from all around the world with varying backgrounds and experiences come together to pursue both academic and athletic success. As part of our You Belong Here series, we are diving into the journey and success of three standout Canadian students. SIUE baseball players Duncan McLaughlin, Mackenzie (Mack) Mitchell, and Kyle Hepburn’s stories are not just about sports but about finding a true home away from home.

Moving to the States from Nova Scotia, McLaughlin’s journey to SIUE is anything but ordinary. After attending two junior colleges and taking a gap year, he found his home in Edwardsville. McLaughlin was drawn to SIUE due to its exercise science program and largely for the opportunity to compete at the Division I level.

Transitioning from Canada to the U.S. during a global pandemic has not been the easiest for McLaughlin but he claims, “Each year it’s gotten easier. The community here, both in Edwardsville and at SIUE, is incredibly welcoming. The athletic department feels like a tight-knit family, and the professors are always understanding and supportive.”

McLaughlin’s hard work is something that does not go unnoticed. With a 3.93 GPA through his fourth year, he has shown himself to be a standout student. He credits his parents for instilling the value of education early on. “My parents always emphasized academics first. Their guidance helped me stay focused, and the faculty here at SIUE has been so supportive in helping me achieve my goals,” he shared.

On the field, his journey is equally impressive. One of his proudest moments on the baseball team comes from getting a key save against UIC last season. “Pitching on the mound with the city skyline in the background, it was unforgettable,” he said. This moment was not only key to the teams’ season but also stands as an important milestone in McLaughlin’s journey to the D1 level. 

After finishing strong in his exercise science degree McLaughlin plans to start a graduate program in physical therapy. With his degree in exercise science and master’s in physical therapy McLaughlin aims to help other aspiring athletes reach their full potential. “Sports have always been a big part of my life, and I want to give back by helping others heal and reach their full potential,” he shared.

When summing up his thoughts on his time at SIUE McLaughlin stated, “SIUE has truly given me the platform to chase my dreams on and off the field.”

Like McLaughlin, Mack Mitchell, a Toronto native, also took the junior college path before finding his way to the Cougars baseball team. While moving from the big city to a quieter town in Illinois was an adjustment, Mitchell embraced the change. “I’ve come to love the smaller towns and the sense of community here,” he said. “It’s a lot different from Toronto, but I’ve really grown to appreciate the slower pace and how connected everyone feels.”

Being in his Junior year, Mitchell is close to finishing strong on his journey to a degree in Business Administration.  “I know that the skills I’m learning in business are going to help me in whatever I do after baseball,” he said. “Whether I stay in sports or go into a different field, having a solid business foundation is something that will always be valuable.”

Mitchell maintains a 3.4 GPA, and when asked how he balances athletics and academics he said, “I’ve learned to manage my time wisely, especially with practices and games, being consistent and staying on top of my assignments is key.”

On the diamond Mitchell prides himself on consistency as well, with his most memorable moment being a game-winning home run against Gonzaga.  “The feeling of connecting on that pitch and seeing it leave the park was surreal. It was a huge win for the team, and it’s something I’ll always remember.” That game-winning moment stands out as a testament to his growth as a player and his ability to deliver under pressure.

When asked to give advice for other international students considering SIUE, he says, “The transition is easy, and the support system here is incredible. From coaches to classmates, everyone helps make the experience seamless.” His words reflect SIUE’s commitment to building an atmosphere where anyone can find a sense of community and belonging no matter how far away from home. 

Finally, Vancouver native Kyle Hepburn found his home away from home after being recruited from Johnson County Community College. “When I came down for a visit, I immediately loved the campus, the environment, and what they had going on with the baseball program. It made the decision to come here an easy one.”

After going to back-to-back Junior College World Series tournaments Hepburn hopes to bring that success to SIUE. On the field Hepburn has already had some memories he will never forget. “Playing against Kansas and Saint Louis University at the Gateway Grizzlies Park was a highlight for me. We scraped out some wins, and it was a lot of fun,” he said.

Off the field, he has spent time exploring SIUE’s scenic campus. “I love walking around the trails, the lake, and the gardens. The new bridge they opened is gorgeous, I’ve walked on it a handful of times,” Hepburn added.

Entering his third year, Hepburn is pursuing a psychology major with a minor in sports psychology.   “I started in kinesiology back at Johnson County, but I realized I was more interested in my psych courses, so I switched. It’s a decision I don’t regret at all. I love my courses,” he explained. Coming into SIUE with a 3.74 GPA, Hepburn shows off the team’s commitment to academic success. “The counselors and coaches here are great about providing resources and making sure we’re set academically,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hepburn hopes to combine his love for sports and psychology into a meaningful career. “Athletics have always been a passion of mine, so doing something sports-related would be awesome,” he shared. Reflecting on his time at SIUE, Hepburn summed it up simply: “It’s a great spot, and I’m so glad I made the choice to come here.”

The stories of McLaughlin, Mitchell, and Hepburn show the supportive environment that SIUE offers to its students no matter how far they come from.  These three Canadian athletes have not just found a place to pursue academic and athletic success but also a community that feels like home.

This article is part of the "You Belong Here" story series, which showcases the remarkable journeys of SIUE students as they strive to achieve their academic, personal, and professional aspirations. Through this series, we aim to highlight the diverse experiences and achievements of our students, showcasing their resilience, determination, and growth.

By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire current and prospective students, as well as the wider community, to recognize that SIUE is a place where dreams can be realized. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment empowers our students to flourish academically, personally, and professionally. 

PHOTO: SIUE baseball players Mackenzie Mitchell #7 (left), Duncan McLaughlin #23 (middle), and Kyle Hepburn #26 (right)