There has never been a challenge that Alexis Campbell hasn't been ready to conquer.
During her days playing with the Grand Plains Ice Dogs program and teams in Winnipeg, the challenge was going up against some of the top female hockey players in the province and last year, going up against top talent at the high school level when she played with the Springfield Sabres.
From Kinosota, Alexis still had that fire burning in her belly and believed she had more when she graduated from high school. She still wanted to play hockey but she wasn't sure where. She was already set to continue her post-secondary studies at Assiniboine College in Brandon. That school just happens to have a women's hockey program that plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and it's a powerhouse program that has won national championships in the past years.
Last spring, Alexis was invited to an identification camp that the team put on and her great speed and tenacious attitude impressed the coaching staff. She, however, was not offered a spot on the team, but she was invited to try out for the team this past September.
The Cougars are a veteran group with players who have been through the grind of college hockey, something Alexis had not yet been. Campbell wasn't sure what to expect when she went to open tryouts but what happened has her travelling all over the United States and playing on one of the top teams in the nation.
Alexis made the team and is one of four rookies on this year's roster.
"It was amazing, I was the only walk-on to make this team which means a lot," said Campbell. "Being one of the four rookies is awesome, it's a special feeling to be a part of this group."
Accepting her greatest challenge yet, Alexis has played all 11 of the team's conference games and is averaging nearly half a point per game with five assists across those 11 contests. She's tied for 10th in team scoring and her next big accomplishment will be scoring her first goal at the college level.
"I think things are going quite well, it's more of a challenge than I have ever experienced," continued Campbell. "I'm adapting quite well and with each practice and game, I believe I am improving and my coaches are happy with what I can add."
Playing Division 2 in the Independent Conference, the Cougars have won 10 of their 11 games. They're just a single point behind the University of Wisconsin for first place. The team's five goals against are the fewest in the nation while their offensive output has been solid with 49 goals. The team has won five in a row.
"It's awesome, we're a very tight-knit family and everyone gets along together," commented Campbell. "It shows on the ice with our chemistry, it's great being a part of a team that is so strong."
With the team's first-half schedule in the books, they will prepare to head to North Dakota for a pair of games on January 10-11 against the University of Jamestown. Their next home game at the J&G Homes Arena in Brandon is February 9 against Dakota College at Bottineau. That team will feature another local star as Caitlin Fillion of Gilbert Plains is on the Lady Jacks so it'll be a battle between two Parkland stars.
Cameron Campbell will also be in the stands for that game in the Wheat City and Alexis is very appreciative for all of the support she receives.
"All of the support I get from my friends and family means the world to me," ended Campbell. "They have played a big part in where I am today."
Moving forward to the end of the season before the national tournament, Alexis will play three games in Brandon against the Lady Jacks on February 20 and two games against North Dakota State University on February 22 and 23.