In our Prolific Personalities Series, we take a look at how our student-athletes are putting a positive spin on the year that's been, delving into the good that has come during an unprecedented time.     

Jonathan Duforest, a fifth-year veteran outfielder from Kirkland, Que., on the McGill men's baseball team, was used to moving quickly before COVID-19. Between playing for several baseball teams and working towards his post-grad aspirations, the physical education senior was constantly on the go - until the shutdown allowed him the opportunity to reset and refocus. 

"Transitioning out of undergrad and into a more professional life required a lot of commitment, but the work that I've put in over the past four years with the baseball program is paying dividends. I started law school, clerking for a federal judge in Michigan during the pandemic and I know for a fact that varsity sports were a big help in getting me that opportunity. When I interviewed for the clerkship, one thing that the judge was impressed by were the transferrable skills I had developed - work ethic, commitment, teamwork - as a student-athlete." 

"In a field like I'm in, everything that I touch every day can affect other people's lives, so you really have to be on your game. Fortunately, there's quite a bit of intrinsic motivation on my end, and working from home over the past sixteen months has allowed me to allocate my time well and put the effort required into this opportunity."   

In addition to the work as a clerk, Duforest has been more heavily involved with the baseball program - not only as a student-athlete, but helping the coaching staff with preparations.   

"I actually have had an opportunity to help more on the recruiting side of things, reviewing videos of potential prospects and helping out on the evaluation piece. I've really enjoyed that opportunity in addition to preparing for my final season, we've had so much success during my time that I'd love to go out on another high note." 

"I've also had the chance to play in Olympic qualifying games for the French national team since 2016, the World Baseball Classic was special to be a part of. At McGill we've won championships and I've made friends for life - the core team that came in 2016 is very tight, and we'd love to go out strong."   

While Duforest looks forward to life after McGill, he has one more year to leave it all on the field and sharpen skills that have already been useful on and off the field.

Zachary McRae
Communications Officer
McGill Athletics & Recreation
514.616.5573 (Tel.)
www.mcgillathletics.ca
zachary.mcrae@mcgill.ca