Unfortunately, Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball player’s mental health took another hit this week.
The girls recently learned the player responsible for the complaint against coach Chris King has signed with the Holland College Hurricanes of the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Rustlers guard Sarah Dacuycuy confirmed Isabelle McGeoghegan was the whistleblower that led to the firing of the long-time championship coach and Kitscoty native.
“Isabelle was the player, but I also think this was all a big misunderstanding,” said Dacuycuy, noting the team isn’t out to slander their former teammate or start a witch hunt.
Dacuycuy also stated Lakeland’s decision to sign off on McGeoghegan joining another team so quickly angered players.
“I don’t think everyone from the team knows yet, but the ones that do are pissed off and frustrated,” said Dacuycuy on Jan. 14. “Knowing the girl that caused all of this gets to have a season and a shot at a national championship and we don’t is infuriating.”
“I don’t think they (Hurricanes) know what this girl is capable of. Clearly they don’t know the full story.”
Albert Roche, Hurricane’s director of athletics and recreation, confirmed McGeoghegan transferred to Holland from Lakeland over the Christmas break.
“She’ll be active this weekend,” said Roche on Jan. 14, noting he’s partially aware of the situation in Lloydminster. “She’s from P.E.I. so it’s a cool story about an island girl coming home, but we are aware there’s a back story.”
“The coach here knew her before she left for Alberta, and we’re hoping she has a positive experience.”
The Hurricanes are currently the top team in the ACAA and hold an 8-2 record this season. They’re also on a four-game win streak.
For Dacuycuy, a fourth-year Rustler, the future is unknown.
“We have girls who have committed themselves to this program, to finish the five years and finish their degree in school, then suddenly, this happened,” said Dacuycuy. “We’re all in a funk like we don’t know what to do, academically and basketball. We don’t really know yet.”
The toll taken on player’s mental health is also becoming more apparent as time goes on.
“This is mentally draining; we’re surviving to be here right now,” explained Dacuycuy. “It’s really hard to be here. It’s hard looking back and not looking forward to anything.”
Dacuycuy also noted communication from within the halls of Lakeland has been lacking.
“We can’t really do anything about it now,” she said. “The people in charge at this institution aren’t listening and the majority of us are angry with the situation.”
The Meridian Source reached out to McGeoghegan for comment and did not get a response by the time of publication.
If you’re new to the Chris King story, check out the following articles for background: Rustlers officially forfeit season, Rustlers players speak on coach’s firing, Rustlers respond after firing coach King, Rustlers release coach Chris King, Investigation ruins Rustlers record.
Read more: Column: Rustlers’ rumours