Some of the best female basketball players in Ontario will become regulars on the University of Guelph campus this fall through a new partnership with the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA).
U of G’s Department of Athletics has helped establish a new high school travel team for elite players representing the Guelph Youth Basketball Association. Called the Junior Gryphons, the new Guelph entry is the eighth girls’ team in the OSBA.
“We are thrilled to partner with the OSBA and assist in bringing some great basketball action to Guelph,” said athletic director Scott McRoberts. “We are confident that these athletes will receive a first-class and high-quality experience when they are on the U of G campus that supports their development as student-athletes.”
Top players from around the province, who will commute to the city and attend classes at Bishop Macdonell Catholic Secondary School, will practise in U of G facilities. They will attend the Gryphons Performance Academy, an age-appropriate training program for varsity athletes and community members based in Alumni Stadium and the W.F. Mitchell Centre.
Josh Ford, strength and conditioning coach with women’s and men’s varsity basketball, volleyball and hockey, will lead a thorough fitness program to improve players’ physical ability, health and wellness, confidence, and help them with injury prevention.
Players will also be mentored by U of G varsity team members.
Junior Gryphons head coach Karen Bremner said playing in the OSBA will be a great opportunity for the girls.
“Their lives will change in the next 10 months,” Bremner said.
“I’m looking forward to the new style of competition, the new level of exposure, and developing myself as a player and person,” said Murielle Mpiana, 16, from Brampton.
Jennah Taylor, a Sarnia resident and member of the Team Ontario U17s, said she was anticipating a competitive season with like-minded teammates.
“I’m excited for the longer girls’ season and the exceptional training model that the Junior Gryphons program is providing us,” said the 17-year-old.