If there is one word that surrounds the University of Regina softball program, it’s culture. It’s on the shirts. It’s on the helmets. It’s on the hoodies. It’s all over their social media. More importantly, it’s part of the daily conversations that happen within the program. For Merceydes Therrien, culture isn’t a slogan. It’s something you live.
“To me, culture is the energy we choose to bring as a team not only to the games, but practices, team bonding and volunteering we do,” she said. “It’s a high standard we try to hold ourselves to, the accountability and commitment we bring to the sport we all love.”
For Merceydes, that commitment often means putting the team’s needs ahead of her own preferences. Over the course of her career, she’s moved between positions, spending time both in the outfield and behind the plate. The transition hasn’t always been easy, especially considering where her passion naturally lies.
“We know your heart is in the outfield” is something she’s heard before, and she doesn’t disagree. Still, when the team needed a catcher, she caught, embracing the idea of sacrifice and dependability. “Whether that’s a position change, positivity, a little laugh, I want to be someone that my friends, family and teammates can count on whenever they need,” Merceydes explained.
That mindset has allowed her to embrace a role that requires constant adaptability. Mentally, it means setting aside personal preferences and focusing on what gives the team the best chance to succeed. Physically, it means preparing for two very different positions and making sure she’s ready whenever her number is called. “I need to set aside my preferences and what I’m more comfortable with and think about what’s best for the team,” she said. “I’ve got to be ready for anything.”
At first, being moved around the field felt like an adjustment. Over time, however, her perspective changed. “I think at first I saw it as an adjustment,” she said. “Now I see it more as an opportunity to grow, be more versatile and change things up, which circles me back to that dependability within our culture.”
That willingness to embrace uncomfortable challenges didn’t stop with defense. This past offseason, Merceydes doubled down on her offensive development, attending training sessions not only as a hitter, but also specifically as a slapper and bunter. For an athlete who was already an established hitter, it meant starting over in some areas and learning skills that don’t come easily.
The goal wasn’t personal statistics. It was becoming more difficult to defend. “Having the slapping, bunting and hitting for power makes it harder for the opposing team to decide how to defend,” she said. “Overall, not knowing what I’m going to do as a hitter gives me a better chance at getting on base and moving runners.”
Like most new skills, the process came with frustration. “I found I got frustrated with myself at first, not getting it as quickly as I wanted to,” Merceydes admitted. “But I had to remind myself that growth isn’t linear.” The experience reinforced a lesson that extends far beyond softball. “I think it taught me there’s always something new to learn and you’re never done growing as an athlete,” she said. “It allowed me to become stronger mentally, build my patience and learn to trust the process.”
That message is one she hopes younger players take with them as they enter the program. “My hopes are that they understand what culture is,” she said.
“It’s not about what you want or what you need, but what the team needs. It means sacrifice.”
She points out that versatility exists throughout the roster. Players move positions. Roles change. Some lead on the field while others provide energy and support from the bench. What matters is understanding that value isn’t attached to a specific spot in the lineup card. “Everyone has a role and it isn’t always the same,” she said. “Their willingness to adapt for the greater of the team is what’s most important.”
It’s a philosophy that has shaped her well beyond softball. Whether she’s completing hospital practicums, helping a friend, or dealing with challenges away from the diamond, the same qualities continue to show up: adaptability, dependability, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone. “Softball has taught me about pressure and stressful moments, but more importantly how you handle those situations,” Merceydes said. “It taught me to be strong mentally, to be selfless and to put the bigger picture ahead of my own comfort.”
In a program where culture is at the forefront, Merceydes has become one of its clearest examples. Not because she talks about it the most, but because she’s willing to do the difficult things that culture demands.
Play a position that isn’t your favourite. Learn a skill from scratch. Put in extra work when nobody is watching.
Whatever the team needs.
That’s culture.
