When Devyn McLean joined the University of Saskatchewan softball program in the fall of 2022, she arrived as a walk-on. There were no guarantees. Just an opportunity. What followed over the next four seasons was steady growth.
What began as a quiet presence developed into one of the most trusted leaders on the roster, culminating in the 2025 WCSA Leadership Award and a bronze medal finish at the CCSA National Championship. But her transition wasn’t instant. It was earned.
“Over time, as my confidence grew and I earned the trust of my teammates and coaches, my quietness turned into calm leadership. I found my voice not by being the loudest, but by being dependable and willing to step up when the team needed me.” In her first season, Devyn focused on listening and learning. She paid attention to the standards around her and committed to showing up every day, not just as a player, but as a teammate others could rely on. As her confidence grew, so did her influence.
That growth became most visible behind the plate. “As a catcher, Devyn led on the field by calling pitches, directing defensive play, and setting the tone behind the plate…” describes head coach Stacey Dansereau Thomson. Catching is a position demands composure, preparation, and trust. And Devyn approached it intentionally by studying hitters, communicating consistently with her pitchers, and making sure everyone felt settled in big moments.
“Along with building the trust of my pitchers I built the trust of my team. Knowing when we need a timeout to chat or just go out and take a few seconds to remind everyone what is going on puts people at ease allows them to forget any errors and continue to the next play….” That calm presence became her trademark. When pressure rose, she remained steady.
“…Leading under pressure means keeping the field steady and calm and always putting the team first. They trust in me to make the right calls, and my goal was to always keep my composure and not let the pressure show.” Her teammates and coaches recognized that impact in 2025 when she earned the WCSA Leadership Award, a reflection not of volume, but of consistency.
“[Earning the WCSA Leadership Award] meant everything to me, knowing it came from the people I showed up for every day and gave my all to in every situation seen me as someone they could depend on. Knowing they’ve seen my growth as a leader is incredibly meaningful, and it reinforces that you don’t have to be the loudest voice to make an impact.”
After completing three years of undergraduate studies, Devyn had earned acceptance to Northwestern Health Sciences University for Fall 2025 to pursue chiropractic studies. At the time, she believed the 2024 season would be her final one. Then the team won the semifinal game at the 2024 WCSA League Championships, securing a berth to the 2025 CCSA National Championship in Calgary.
Her decision came quickly. “I made the decision to stay and play one more year the minute we won the semi-final game in the 2024 season… It was an easy decision for me to stay as I wanted to finish what I had started. I believed in the team we were building, and I knew I would regret not giving it one more season to chase a national medal.”
She deferred her acceptance by one term…a selfless decision that reflected her connection to the program and belief in the group. At the 2025 CCSA National Championship, she caught five of six games and played a critical role in the team’s bronze medal finish. Throughout the tournament, the trust built over four years was evident.
“Knowing they believed in my ability to manage the game, support my pitchers, and lead under pressure gave me the confidence to fully step into that role. Being able to help guide the team in those moments and contribute to the way we performed at nationals is something I’ll always remember.” It was the kind of performance that doesn’t always show up in a stat sheet, but it shapes outcomes.
As Devyn closes her chapter with U of S softball, her legacy isn’t just in awards or medals. It’s in the culture she helped reinforce. “I am proud that I was able to help and contribute to a culture where accountability, trust, and team first mentality was the norm. I hope that the players know that everyone can be a leader and just because you aren’t the loudest and most outspoken on the team doesn’t mean a leadership role isn’t for you. I hope that in the future they continue to have the “do it for the team” mentality and that each of them plays for each other and trust that the growth and success will come with the full team effort.”
From walk-on to award-winning leader, Devyn’s journey is a reminder that leadership doesn’t have to be loud to carry influence.
