Kindal DeGraeve, a 2024 graduate of Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB), is now pursuing a medical career in diagnostic imaging. Currently studying ultrasound at Red River Polytech in Winnipeg, she also plans to complete an MRI program. Her goal is to work in a hospital as an ultrasound sonographer or MRI tech. “Growing up in a small town, you have to drive to a bigger city to find a sonographer or MRI tech, and since we are so short in Canada, it can be difficult to get in. It is my hope to get both diplomas so I can help people as much as possible,” she explains.

Kindal’s journey to DCB began when women’s hockey coach Reed Loucks recruited her and two teammates from Holland, Manitoba. “After talking with Coach Loucks, I decided to tour the college with my best friend and teammate, Jayden Carels. After seeing the school, I knew I had to go to DCB because it was so home-like to me,” she recalls. “I grew up in a small town, so Bottineau was the perfect transition from high school to college. It also helped that I had my oldest friend right there with me!”

Once on campus, Kindal quickly expanded her social circle. Reflecting on friendships made at DCB, she notes, “My closest friends and I always joke that we don’t even remember how we became friends. One day we were strangers, and the next we were doing everything together.”

At DCB, Kindal balanced academics and athletics, playing both hockey and softball. Her leadership and academic success earned her spots on the Dean’s List and the 2024 All North Dakota Academic Team as a New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar. “I was able to be a dual-sport athlete, something I had dreamed about but never thought possible, while also doing well academically,” she says. Kindal credits DCB’s small class sizes and supportive professors for making her success possible. “The professors were always willing to answer questions and help wherever they were needed.”

Her involvement in DCB’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter led to her nomination for the All North Dakota Academic Team, a recognition based on academic excellence and community service. Alongside two other DCB students, she received congratulations from North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a medallion, and a monetary award.

Managing the demands of both sports and academics prepared her well for the challenges of a larger school like Red River Polytech. Kindal encourages high school seniors to find a college that feels like home. “If you can find a place that feels like a home away from home, there is no better school for you,” she says with a smile.

Looking back, Kindal has no regrets about choosing DCB. “Attending a smaller school like Dakota College at Bottineau is everything a newly graduated, sports-oriented kid needs. The professors and staff are amazing and very understanding of athletes. At DCB, you are never a number,” she says.

Now continuing her education in Manitoba, Kindal treasures the memories she made at DCB. “Some of my favorite moments were the ones that seemed ordinary. Like making cookies in the kitchen of Milligan with friends or being roommates with my best friend. I was just a walk away from two other amazing friends I wouldn’t have met without DCB,” she recalls fondly. “Small things like running errands together are the moments I miss the most and will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“I am so grateful for my time in Bottineau,” Kindal reflects. “I met amazing people, experienced things I never thought I would, and made memories I will never forget.”