McGinnis Heading to Dalhousie for Football
Andrew McGinnis, a Grade 12 St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) student, is heading out east this fall to continue his student-athlete journey with Dalhousie University’s football team.
“I chose Dalhousie University because it allows me to combine my interest in business with my commitment to football,” says McGinnis. “Being part of the Dalhousie football team gives me the chance to continue competing at a high level while developing important skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership.”
McGinnis looks forward to the co-op component of the commerce programme, where he’ll gain hands-on experience by applying what he’s learning in the classroom to real-world business settings.
“Dalhousie’s strong academics, combined with athletics and practical learning, made it the right choice for me as I work toward my goals,” he adds.
At SMCS, McGinnis began playing for the Kerry Blues Football team in Grade 9, but his passion for the sport started in Grade 5 with the Toronto Flag Football League.
“Over that time, the sport became more than just a game to me, it became something I was genuinely passionate about,” says McGinnis. “Football taught me the value of commitment, hard work, and pushing myself both physically and mentally. Being part of the team also allowed me to build strong connections with my teammates and coaches, creating friendships and memories that I will carry with me beyond high school. My SMCS experience helped shape who I am and reinforced my desire to play football at the university level.”
“Andrew McGinnis is a great player with outstanding character,” says Dr. Daniel Lumsden ’96, Sr. Kerry Blues coach and community engagement and learning lead. “He brings leadership, work ethic, and a positive attitude every day, and there’s no doubt he’ll do very well at Dalhousie university.”
Outside of football, McGinnis competes on the school’s Ultimate team in the spring and is one of the moderators of the Guitar Club. The dedicated student-athlete has also made the honour roll almost every year during his time at SMCS, including Grades 7, 8, 9, and 11.
“SMCS prepared me to succeed as a student-athlete by teaching me how to balance academics with athletics from an early age,” he says. “Being part of the football programme required strong time management, discipline, and accountability, especially during the season. At the same time, SMCS emphasized the importance of academics, which helped me stay focused and organized in the classroom. The support from teachers and coaches encouraged me to set high standards for myself and to take responsibility for both my schoolwork and my role on the team. This environment helped me develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed as a student-athlete and prepared me well for the demands of university life.”
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