Pre-Season Issue 2016-17

PRE-SEASON OUTLOOK

The 2016-17 Thunderbirds had an early start to balanced team attack, with 11 players earning the season as they opened up training camp 10+ minutes of action, and counting for 19 August 6th, taking advantage of two NCAA assists on the night, including second-year exhibition games to speed up the learning and guard Jessica Hanson’s 5-0 assist-turnover cohesion of a young ratio. Spotton (25 team. After three points on 10-13 days of on and off- shooting), Khanna (16 court training, the points, including 5 ‘Birds tipped off three-pointers) and against Wisconsin Penn (15) were the [ Jess Hanson on August 9th. All 13 high scorers in the 84- players saw the 62 victory. The ‘Birds court, and the youth travelled to was visible in the 33 the following weekend turnovers committed for three games at during the 72-47 loss. UBC regrouped and faced off against for their game Windsor in the opening against Florida round of the Atlantic two days tournament. The game later and got off to a great start, outscoring the was closely contested the whole way through, visitors 21-17 before stalling offensively in the with neither team gaining more than an 8-point second quarter. Fifth-year forwards Kara advantage. Windsor outlasted UBC for the 63-57 Spotton (12) and Andrea Strujic (10) led the win, setting up a consolation semi between UBC way for the home team, while second-year and . The Capers, paced transfer Maddison Penn notched her first CIS by a senior-laden squad, opened the game at a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. frenetic speed and the young ‘Birds struggled Fourth-year guard Shilpa Khanna added 14 early and often against a multitude of full-court points, including 4-6 from beyond the arc. After a presses and traps, resulting in CBU scoring 28 month of training and acclimatizing to school, points off 30 UBC turnovers on the night. UBC hosted the Gee-Gees for their first Spotton (18) and Penn (17) were the lone exhibition game in early October. After double digit scorers in the 77-52 loss. UBC was a sluggish second quarter, UBC came out firing up early for a Sunday morning breakfast game to start the third and outscored the visitors 20-6 against Western, and despite a slow start, the T- en route to the 51-43 victory. Spotton recorded Birds outscored Western 43-24 in the second her first double-double of the season with 15 half to take the game 69-61. UBC shot a sizzling points and 10 rebounds, while Penn added 14. 57% from 3-point land in the final 20 minutes, UBC faced the University of the Fraser Valley on and had three scorers in double digits. Khanna October 14th and were dominant in the second notched 12 points shooting 4-7 from beyond the and third quarters, outscoring the Cascades 50- arc, while Spotton added an efficient 14 points 28 in the 20-minute span. UBC showed a on 6-8 shooting. Penn counted for 26 points,

including the final 16 points for the ‘Birds in the the country in the first CIS coaches’ poll of the fourth quarter. UBC hit the road again the season. The Thunderbirds had an outstanding following weekend for their final pre-season start to the game, showing strong team defense action at the West tournament in and good offensive ball movement to gain a 15- Victoria, the hosts for this year’s CIS Final Eight. point advantage early in the third quarter. UBC was matched up against Regina and However, turnovers and foul trouble plagued the , two of the opponents they will not see ‘Birds throughout the remainder of the game, in league play this year due to the new Canada resulting in a 73-59 victory for Regina. UBC West schedule. Friday’s game against the Dinos finished the pre-season with a 4-3 record was a low-scoring affair, with the ‘Birds pulling against CIS competition, and will kick off the out the 55-37 win. Saturday’s tilt against Regina Canada West season on the road at Thompson proved to be a good measuring stick for UBC, as Rivers University in early November. the Cougars were later named the #1 team in

THUNDERBIRD 2016 HOME SCHEDULE The 2016-17 T-Birds will make their home-court Canada West league debut on Friday, November 18th and Saturday, November 19th against the Bisons.

2016 Home Schedule: Friday, November 18th vs. Manitoba 6:00 pm Home Opener Saturday, November 19th vs. Manitoba 5:00 pm Saturday, November 26th vs. Victoria 5:00 pm THUNDERSTRUCK FESTIVAL Shoot for the Cure Donor and Alumni Night Friday, December 2nd vs UBC-O 6:00 pm Saturday, December 3rd vs UBC-O 5:00 pm

T-BIRDS ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

On November 2nd, the UBC Athletics Department, Senior Athletic Director Gilles Lepine, and the President of UBC Professor Santa Ono hosted the 2016 Academic All-Canadian Breakfast. The breakfast celebrates the tremendous accomplishments of our varsity athletes who excel not only on their field of play, but also show exemplary effort in the classroom by maintaining an 80% or higher GPA. In 2015-16 there were 122 student-athletes recognized as Academic All-Canadians, and UBC Women’s Basketball is incredibly proud of our players who achieved academic excellence: Diana Lee (Master of Kinesiology, Coaching Science), Adrienne Parkin (Kinesiology) and Kara Spotton (Commerce). Congratulations to Kara, Adrienne and Diana, and we look forward to welcoming more players to the group next year!

FIRST ANNUAL WOMEN’S SPORT FESTIVAL EVENT IN UBC HISTORY

The UBC Department of Athletics is presenting THUNDERSTRUCK, the first annual women’s feature festival event showcasing our Women’s Basketball team competing against the visiting . This women’s only, single-header game provides a rare opportunity to promote and market women in sport. This event will have an enhanced atmosphere including on and off campus engagement, giveaways, activities and food options.

This event is designated as our Alumni and Donor Recognition event. Come join us to cheer on our UBC Thunderbirds as they take on the UVic Vikes. Then stick around on the floor for an exclusive reception with Deb Huband and the Team.

When: Saturday, November 26, 2016

Time: Game 5:00pm | Reception to follow

Where: War Memorial Gym

Price: Tickets and appetizers provided by UBC Athletics

RSVP: Please Click Here to RSVP by Thursday, November 23th, 2016

UBC BASKETBALL HOSTS FIRST “MOM AND ME” NIGHT

UBC Women’s Basketball is looking forward to an evening of learning, inspiration and laughter as we host our first ‘Mom and Me’ Night on November 20th. The event will focus on the importance of sport in the lives of girls and women to develop confidence and leadership. We have a tremendous line-up of feature speakers, and are looking forward to an exciting night.

Feature speakers include UBC Head Coach, former CIS and National Team player and 2-time Olympian Deb Huband; SFU Senior Athletic Director, former NAIA players and mom Theresa Hanson; and owner of -based Prime Fitness, former CIS, professional and National Team player and mom Sheila Townsend.

When: Sunday, November 20th, 4-6 pm

Where: Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre 2765 Wesbrook Mall, UBC Campus

To RSVP or for more information please contact Assistant Coach Carrie Watts ([email protected], 604-822-8172

ALUMNI EVENT

UBC Women’s Basketball was excited to welcome back former Thunderbirds and their families for our annual Alumni Game in mid-September. We had a great turnout with alumni from the 70’s, 80’s and 2000’s+ all being represented. The day was highlighted with a “competitive” game between the current and former ‘Birds, as well as a celebration of life for Bev Barnes organized by her teammates from the championship teams from the early 1970’s. Several alumni made a day of it with a post- game social at Mahoney’s before trekking across campus to take in the UBC Homecoming football game. We’d like to thank all of the alumni for attending, and we look forward to seeing you at a game this season!

THUNDERBIRDS WELCOME SIX NEW PLAYERS TO THE FOLD

UBC fans will see a lot of unfamiliar faces on the court when the team tips off at home in mid-November, with six new players joining the team this season. Former BC Under-17 teammates Ali Norris (Lord Tweedsmuir, Surrey) and Marcie Schlick (Duchess Park, Prince George) have been reunited on the Point Grey campus. In her grade 12 season, Norris led her team to its first ever appearance at the AAA Girls High School Championships, and the 5’8 guard’s speed and athleticism will be tremendous assets on both sides of the ball. Schlick, at 6’4, is one of the biggest players in the province, and after leading her high school team to a BC Provincial Championship in March, will serve as an intimidating presence in the paint. Rounding out the BC recruits is Gabrielle Laguerta from St. Thomas More Collegiate in Burnaby, BC. The 5’9 guard has battled her way back from injury after missing her grade 10 and 11 seasons with knee surgeries, and is looking forward to building on a successful senior season where her team finished fourth at the provincial championships. Keylyn Filewich, a 6’2 forward from , Manitoba, is a multi-sport athlete who has won basketball, and soccer championships and was named the 2016 Manitoba Female Athlete of the Year. Filewich has been invited to several camps with Canada Basketball, and brings soft hands and nice touch around the rim. Sammy Baumgartner is a 5’8 guard from Mississauga, , who has the ability to be a tenacious full-court defender and will bring depth to the point guard position. Maddison Penn joins the team from North Lyneham, Australia via Virginia Tech. The 6’1 guard has played with Australia’s Junior National team and is a versatile scorer that will bring an offensive punch to this year’s team.

2017 ZLC MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST SET FOR FEBRUARY 28TH

Professor Santa Ono, UBC President and Vice-Chancellor, and Mr. Gilles Lépine, Senior Athletics Director, invite you to the UBC Thunderbirds 2017 ZLC Millennium Scholarship Breakfast dedicated to raising funds for student athlete scholarships and awards. This year, as in the past, the University has committed to match your donations dollar for dollar. This matching creates a powerful fundraising opportunity for varsity teams; more importantly, your support better enables student athletes to complete their degree while competing at one of the top varsity programs in the country.

We encourage you, as a dedicated supporter of the UBC Thunderbirds, to join us Tuesday, February 28, 2017 and help build a bright future for our student athletes.

Date: Tuesday, February 28 2017 Time: 7:00 am to 9:00 am Location: Vancouver Convention Centre – East Early Bird Ticket Price: $2000 table / $200 seat

Introducing 2017 keynote speaker: Dr. John Furlong, LLD'10

Dr. John Furlong, LLD'10 is well known as a true champion for amateur sport and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. His account of leading the 2010 Games and the challenges and opportunities he has faced before and since are both deeply personal and characteristically frank. Through masterful storytelling, he inspires leaders to develop a more humble, human, raw and emotional approach to leadership. His commitment to sport in Canada continued post-Games with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC soccer team and as the volunteer Chairman of Canada's highly successful Own the Podium program. Most recently he chaired Vancouver's successful bid to host the World Rugby Seven's series starting in 2016 and leads now the Board of Directors for this exciting new annual international rugby tournament. www.JohnFurlong.ca

For more information, please visit us at www.gothunderbirds.ca/breakfast

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We greatly appreciate the financial support that has been generously provided by our alumni, family, friends and the extended community. This support comes in numerous ways including the Sixth Woman Monthly Giving Club, Bird Backer, donations to specific funds such as the Ruth Wilson and the Cheryl Kinton Memorial Funds, the Millennium Scholarship Breakfast and other annual donations. We are grateful for your support and wish to express how invaluable your contribution is to the success of our Basketball Program on and off the court. We wish to recruit and retain outstanding individuals to our program and to offer them a comprehensive environment to thrive, grow and strive for excellence. Your contribution to this is significant. We are no longer able to publish our donors but nonetheless we still want to thank each and every one of you. If you would like to donate to the program check out https://startanevolution.ubc.ca/projects/6th- woman-ubc-womens-basketball-monthly-giving-club/

Thank you to our fans, families, donors and sponsors for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you again this season. Go Birds Go!