Back to back home court champs

The excitement was palpable as the women’s basketball team took to the court for their first home game in the ThunderDome for this year. Cheers erupted as the first three pointer was scored by none other than Ally Burke, who by the end of the night had scored the most individual points (20) in the entire game. 

It was by no means an easy path to victory for the team, as York was quite defensive and ready to rebound and secure a win after their loss on Friday night. However, with tenacity, leadership and hard work our Thunderwolves managed to pull off a win with the final score being, 68-62. 

It was by no means an easy path to victory for the team
Photo by Jarron Childs

Speaking with the MVP of Friday night’s game, Kirpa Brar, who is going into her second year on the team, she mentioned that for her, this is her opportunity to prove to herself what she is capable of and put her 11 years of hard work on the court to good use. Tonight’s game was very close and in moments of pressure she mentions that it comes down to attitude, “we believe in each other and trust Hugo (Boisvert) and Katie (Ulakovic) 100%, we follow the game plan that is in place and have full faith in our coaches’ vision and fellow teammates”. 

As a spectator it was clear that the key to their success was their ability to effectively communicate with each other and play to their strengths. They also had excellent support and guidance from their coaching team. In conversation with Katie Ulakovic, who was recently promoted to lead assistant coach, a big part of the philosophy on the team is fostering a positive team culture among the players which Ulakovic explains has been easy on her end as a coach.

Photo by Jarron Childs

“We have an incredible group of kind and caring young women that truly support each other and want what’s best for the team. When you’re surrounded by those types of individuals everyday, keeping things positive is simple”.

When discussing her promotion to lead assistant coach, Ulakovic stressed the importance of having a women’s sports team to have a female on staff and tries to use her past experiences as a student-athlete to support her team and is thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow. 

Women in sports usually does not get the recognition that it warrants and deserves. It was so refreshing to see parents with their young children at the game but specifically their daughters, showing these young girls what it looks like to be a strong student-athlete and participate in a sport on a provincial level. Representation matters and having a role model to look up to and see yourself in, is so crucial, especially as a child. This is evident as a mom stopped to let me know that her six year old daughter dressed up as (Ally) Burke for Halloween because she wanted to be a basketball player, “just like her”. When speaking with Burke about this particular experience she mentioned that, “this means everything to me [her], home game days seeing those little girls watching us, gives me motivation to keep going even when I’m really tired. It's part of the reason why I love staying in Thunder Bay over the summer to coach their summer camps and get to know them. It is truly an honor and a privilege for me to be a role model for them”. 

Photo by Jarron Childs

The women’s team successfully went two for two this weekend and won both of their home games! They are on the road again but will be back in action in the Thunderdome facing off against the Western Mustangs on Friday November 24th and Saturday November 25th. The Argus wishes the women’s basketball team all the best on the court for a successful season! 

Special thanks to Kirpa Brar, Ally Burke and Katie Ulakovic for their contributions to this article. Their responses are edited for clarity and length.