NEWS RELEASES

17/08/04

OUTLOOK
ON THE
2004-05 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

  During the off-season several significant changes have taken place with the women's team. So much so that, while many of the same faces will be in the gym, the core of the program has changed.

Vivian Kingdon retired in April. Rookie Head Coach David Butler, her assistant coach for the past four years, has replaced her. Coach Butler will be bringing a total of 18 years of coaching experience to the job. Having been part of the Bronze Medal team in 2002 he is determined to do everything to help this team taste the same sort of success starting with a playoff berth in 2005.

Denise Wilson who has become a full-time Assistant Coach will join him this season. Denise is a former BCCAA League All-Star, Mariner Team MVP, and the League Career Assist record holder. She has assisted with the team on a part-time basis for the past two seasons. She will be putting this wealth of experience and technical knowledge to work to help create a team that is both defensively responsible and offensively creative.

Additionally, the team has added three high quality, local high school recruits and two college transfer students .

Laura Braden was a talented small forward when she played high school ball in Whistler/Pemberton . After high school she chose to attend Western University in London Ontario. She also decided to try out for the Lady Mustangs and, as a walk-on, was asked to remain in camp at the beginning of her freshman year. Class scheduling ended that first attempt at playing basketball at this level. Laura has spent the summer very hard and is looking forward to being part of the Mariners team in 2004/05.

Melanie Trepanier is a sophomore transfer from Douglas College. Because of her size, she is 6' tall; she spent her entire high school career as well as her freshman year at Douglas playing out of her natural position. With the ability to penetrate and shoot plus tower over most defenders on the wing, Melanie should provide the Mariners with consistent scoring and help solidify our rebounding.

Our other college transfer, Carolyn Wood, from Camosun College is coming off two very trying seasons in Victoria. Despite Carolyn's efforts the Chargers were winless in league play over those years. Combine the hunger for success that has built up and the tremendous work ethic she possesses and we have a dynamic leader both on and off the floor. At 6' Carolyn will anchor an up-sized front court that also includes sophomores Maria Kirkbride 5' 11", last season's League Rookie of the Year, Kendell McLeod, 6' 1", and freshman Jessica Voogt also 6'1".

School District 68 has, once again, contributed some very talented players to the Mariner's squad. Post Jessica Voogt and point guard Steph Chow from Dover Bay High School and wing Heather McIntyre from Ladysmith High School will all be working hard to learn the skills necessary to compete at the college level. We are expecting big things in the future from all three.

The coaching staff would also like to send a special word of thanks to the dedicated coaches in District 68 and else where on Vancouver Island. Their efforts have resulted in no less than fifteen players suiting up for the Mariners over the past four seasons. We would also like to express our appreciation for the continued support from the community as fans and corporate sponsors of the Malaspina Mariners Women's Basketball Programme.