the launch of the Canada First: Canadian University Women's Basketball
Information Guide for coaches, parents and university bound
student-athletes. The information guide, developed in partnership with Canada Basketball,
showcases what Canadian university basketball has to offer future
university student-athletes. The handbook describes scholarships
available to student-athletes, explains what is special about each
university basketball program, and outlines what an athlete who is
interested in playing at a Canadian university should do.
The
guide was officially launched at Basketball Ontario's Elite Development
Camp taking place at York University on Friday, June 29. Seventy-two
elite players in grades 11 and 12 received copies of the book.
"We are very pleased to launch the handbook and get the message out
about how great Canadian women's basketball is," said CIS Chief
Executive Officer, Marg McGregor.
"A common and outdated
misconception is that athletic awards and scholarships are only
available south of the border. In fact about one in two CIS
student-athletes receive financial support to pursue their athletics
and academics in Canada."
Pam Danis, president of the CIS
women's basketball coaches association and head coach at the University
of Manitoba, is also enthusiastic about the initiative.
"We
look forward to getting this information into the hands of university
bound players and their families and coaches so that informed decisions
can be made about where to attend university. Several CIS coaches are
involved with Canada's national team program and we are very proud of
the quality of our coaches, and quality of the education and athlete
development that student-athletes benefit from in Canada."
Canada Basketball partnered with CIS in the publication of the
handbook. According to Canada Basketball athletes who choose to attend
a Canadian university receive:
- - dedicated coaching;
- - five years to play and develop;
- - exposure to national team coaches;
- - more opportunity for game minutes and in turn development;
- - exposure to a committed athlete focused system.
"This is a great resource for female athletes, parents and coaches to
make an educated decision on where they want to continue their
post-secondary education and athletic careers," commented Allison
McNeill, Head Coach, Canadian Senior Women's National Team.
Copies of the handbook are available online at: www.universitysport.ca/e/w_basketball/canadafirst.pdf