Women's Basketball - Update

Hi Folks,

Here we go………………Classes have started, the team is set, and we are ready for our first exhibition game this weekend against St. Lawrence College. We had an excellent ID/Training Camp in late August that featured most of our current roster and a number of Ontario’s best high school basketball players. It was both exciting and a real pleasure working with everyone.

Our active roster has been finalized with the addition of Nicole Barnard, a 5-11 wing player from Southwood SS in Cambridge. “Barney” played for KW Lightning at both the OBA and JUEL levels and brings a wealth of athleticism along with a great wingspan. She is a clever passer with good court vision and is comfortable shooting the long ball.

We have also added a late addition transfer to our roster (in a red-shirt capacity): Gia Spiropoulos. Gia hails from Belleville and was a long time recruit for us, but opted to go to Waterloo for their pharmacy program. She had a very good first year with the Warriors, giving her plenty of game experience. The 6-2 post enters the Con-Ed Science program at Queen’s, and by transfer rule, must sit out the 2013-14 season. She will, however, train with the team to keep her skills up.

I am very pleased to announce that Abby Dixon of North Vancouver is the recipient of the prestigious Catherine Gertrude (Milliken) Smith Memorial Award this year.

Established in March 2007 by Sherwood H. Smith, Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina, in memory of his mother Catherine Gertrude (Milliken) Smith, B.A. 1924, who, while attending Queen's, played for and managed the varsity women's basketball team. Awarded to recognize academic achievement and athletic excellence to student-athletes entering the first year of a direct-entry undergraduate degree program at Queen's University and who is on the competition roster of the Gaels interuniversity women's basketball team.

Abby follows in the footsteps of previous recipients, Nicole Morse, Jenny Wright, Liz Boag, Hanna Koposhynska, Richelle Gaudet, and Alaina Porter.

Alumni Weekend is shaping up very nicely with over 10 confirmed Alumni returning for a friendly game, and a few others willing to cheer from the sidelines. The group being honoured this year (1985-86 to 1989-90) should be well represented. To register for the event (garnering free event tickets, access to the Reception & Silent Auction) please go to: http://www.gogaelsgo.com/sports/2011/8/19/WBB_0819114220.aspx?path=wbball

Up Next On the Road:
Sunday, September 22 @ St. Lawrence College 2:00pm

Up Next at Home:
Sunday, September 29 vs. UQAM 2:00pm

Tindall Tournament
Friday, October 4 vs. UPEI 6:00pm
Saturday, October 5 vs. Lethbridge 6:00pm
Sunday, October 6 vs. Concordia 2:00pm

Have a great week!

Dave.