The NAIT Women's Basketball program is one of the most underestimated teams in the conference. With a 2022-2023 record of 6-18, they always seemed to be overlooked when it came to ACAC championship contention. But they embraced the "David" role and slayed multiple conference "Goliaths" during regular season play.
This year's team will look to change that narrative and become one of the most feared teams in the ACAC. The Ooks bring eleven new soldiers to the squad in hopes of winning the conference championship.
"I am super excited. It's definitely a different feel this year, with eleven new players on our roster. But they are all competitive and excited to be here," said head Coach Kiera Lyons. "I have a lot of girls straight out of high school, so it's going to be a brand-new learning curve for the team and me."
Let's take a look at the 2023-2024 NAIT Women's Basketball recruiting class.
Pamela Rutto- Edmonton Alberta
The first newcomer to this year's team is Pamela Rutto. She played for St. Francis Xavier High School, averaging 12 points and two rebounds per game while shooting 60% from the field. Rutto brings in a high basketball IQ, which will be crucial to her success in her first year of ACAC play.
Mya Stemberger- Mundare Alberta
Another local recruit joining this year's team is Mya Stemberger. The 5'10 Guard played for Vegreville Composite High School on their senior women's team. Stemberger contributes much more size to the court, and her ability to push her teammates in practice will make the whole group stronger.
Kalena Richardson- Calgary Alberta
Transferring to play for the Ooks is Kalena Richardson. She played for the Thompson River University Wolfpack from 2020-2021. Unfortunately, her team's season was cut short due to COVID-19 restrictions. Richardson brings high-level experience to the team, and her defensive dominance will help reduce opponent scoring.
Grace Culshaw- Strathmore Alberta
The Ooks add another talented recruit to their roster in Grace Culshaw. The 5'8 guard played for Strathmore Spartans Basketball, which won the 3A Girls High School Provincial Championships. Culshaw's ability to put her teammates in great scoring positions will be valuable to this year's offence.
Bree Halowski- Sherwood Park Alberta
The Ooks bring in another tall guard to their roster with 5'8 Bree Halowski. Halowski played for the Salisbury Composite Sabers basketball team, which won silver at the 2023 Edmonton Metro Athletics city finals. She does well in every aspect of the defensive game and never lets her competition intimidate her.
Adnee Tirao- Edmonton Alberta
The Ooks add fresh blood at the point with Adnee Tirao. The 5'5 point guard played for Jasper Place High School, which won the Metro Athletics Division One City Championships. She also played club basketball with Goodhoops.
Willow Tanton- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
The Ooks bring in a skilled player at the Guard position in Willow Tanton. Tanton graduated from Tommy Douglas High School and played for the Supernova's Basketball Club. She was also part of Saskatchewan's U19 team that played in the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Tanton brings great experience to the Ooks and will look to make a significant impact in her first year of ACAC play.
Jenna de Haan- Edmonton Alberta
The team brings in another hometown recruit, Jenna de Haan. The 5'5 Point Guard played last for Parkland Emmanuel Christian School. de Haan does a great job pushing the tempo of the game, and her level of communication skills gives her all the attributes needed to be a great Point Guard.
Chelsea Sabandal- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
The second recruit coming from Saskatchewan is Chelsea Sabandal. The 5'8 Guard is a Bethlehem Catholic High School graduate and played for their women's basketball team. She was also awarded MVP honours at the 2023 home-court all-star showcase. Sabandal is a versatile guard that can hit the long shot with ease.
Laila Wright- Scarborough Ontario
Bringing some USPORT experience to NAIT is Laila Wright. The 6'0 Center played with the Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks, where she averaged 11.1 minutes and 2.7 rebounds per game while averaging 28.6% from the field. Wright's size and power on offence and defence will be a great addition to this year's team.
Mikah Reed- Sherwood Park Alberta
The third transfer coming into the program is Mikah Reed. The 5'7 Guard played last with MacEwan University Griffins, averaging 6.0 points and 1.7 rebounds per game while shooting 25.8% from the field. Reed is an incredible shooter from beyond the arc, and her Usport experience will help her be a significant contributor to this year's team.
Stay updated on team developments and catch any extra recruit updates by following the NAIT Ooks Women's Basketball social media accounts.
Mark your calendars for an exciting start to the season as the Ooks hit the road on October 20th at 8 P.M., facing off against the Concordia Thunder. The anticipation continues as they gear up for their home-opener on Saturday, October 21st, once again taking on the Concordia Thunder.