From the vault: Kara Molnar

As one who serves… the hockey gods./ University of Regina Alumni

Author: kristian ferguson – sports writer

What happens after university?

I thought it would be interesting to talk with a former Cougars player and see what life is like now that they are free from the stresses and rigors of university life. I was able to catch up with Kara Molnar on her time with the University of Regina, her time with the Cougars, and how life is treating her now that she doesn’t have essays and projects due every week and what it is like being free from the University.

Kara Molnar, known at the time as Kara McGeough, was once a Cougar women’s hockey player from 2004-2009. She was named a Canada West Second Team All-Star in the 08-09 season and, at the time of her graduation, had finished seventh overall on the U of R’s list of all-time goals, assists and points. She was also named Women’s Hockey’s Most Valuable player by the U of R in her 08-09 year. Having a very impressive career with the Cougars, Kara came highly recommended to me by another former Cougar player, Karissa Swan.

Kara graduated from the U of R in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) with a focus on marketing. She also came back to the University in 2011, and in 2013, completed a Master’s Degree in Administration (M.Admin) with a focus on leadership. Props to Kara for not only finishing a Bachelor’s but living the dream and doing what most of us lazy asses never could. coming back to get a Master’s.

The big question though, has Kara’s education been worth the time (and money)? Rest easy, this is not a depressing article because, yes indeed, Kara is working in a field relevant to her degree.

“I currently work as a Go-to-Market Consultant wherein I lead the development and implementation of GTM plans, campaigns, customer engagement initiatives, and strategies to support program offerings, products and services,” says Kara.

Glad to see that she not only beat us out in getting a Master’s, but is able to make practical use of her degree. My poor English major sensibilities refuse to let me think about my life post-degree. Anyways, Kara has lots of good things to say about her time at the University.

“My experience at the U of R was very positive and encouraging and also went by very quickly. I was fortunate enough to study/be in a faculty that was well suited to both my personal interests and career aspirations. The professors that taught me were supportive and helpful, and I was lucky enough to have a couple of them again when I went back to school in 2011 to obtain a Master’s degree.”

She is really, really lucky. It’s not everyday someone walks out of university with a few degrees and can still look back with reverence. Imagine me applauding politely right now because I am very jealous of Kara. Truly. Let’s get down to the question of the hour though: Kara, how was your time with the Cougars?

“I can’t say enough good things about my experience as a Cougar athlete for the women’s hockey team. My time as a student flew by, I was able to play a sport that I love at a high caliber, I was exposed to an exceptional group of coaches, and most importantly I was lucky enough to meet some of the best people I have ever come across. Many of the girls I met over the years as a Cougar athlete turned into lifelong friends and I consider myself lucky to have experienced all of the fun (and crazy) things we did together over the years.”

Kara really lives the life. I think I speak for everyone when I say Kara, congratulations. You made it through university unscathed. Minus any hockey injuries, I guess. The stress was worth it and you walked out with some positive life experiences and some good friends. Bravo, Kara, bravo.

Before I wrap up this article, is there anything you have to say for the fine people still in university, something to make their trip through academia easier?

“I very much enjoyed my time at the U of R and encourage others to look into all of the different programs that are available, in addition to getting involved in everything from sport to pub trivia to intramurals.”

Spoken like a true alumnus.