DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Claire Signatovich
• Position: Forward
• Fifth Year
• Hometown: Winnipeg, MB
For a remarkable third-consecutive season, Pandas forward Claire Signatovich was named the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year.
Signatovich was the anchor for a Pandas team that allowed just 53.6 points against on 32.7% opponent shooting, both second best in Canada West. The fifth-year Pandas forward ranked second in Canada West with 9.5 rebounds per game, finishing fourth with 116 defensive rebounds, and eighth with 161 total rebounds
The third team Canada West All-Star also added 30 steals and 24 blocks, all despite missing three games due to injury in January. Signatovich finished her Pandas career as the program’s all-time leader in double doubles (27), blocked shots (136), defensive rebounds (580), third in total rebounds (836), and seventh in steals (137).
Signatovich is just the second player to win this award in three-consecutive seasons, joining former SFU and Saskatchewan star Katie Miyazaki.
"To win this award for a third time in a row speaks to Claire’s incredible preparation and consistency as a player. Her ability to guard multiple positions, alter shot selection, and control rebounds makes her an elite defender. Our team defense was consistently good this season because of the confidence the team has in each other and Claire is the anchor to that. She is a leader on the court, a relentless competitor, and her unique skill set is both fun to watch and coach.” - Alberta Head Coach Scott Edwards