The WolfPack have signed their fifth recruit for the 2017-18 season with the announcement that 5’9” guard Kianna Counsell of Heritage Woods Secondary in Port Moody, B.C. has agreed to join the program effective Sept. 1.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED
February 21, 2017 - 10:18 AM
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s basketball team continues to build for the future.
The WolfPack and head coach Scott Reeves have signed their fifth recruit for the 2017-18 season with the announcement that 5’9” guard Kianna Counsell of Heritage Woods Secondary in Port Moody, B.C. has agreed to join the program effective Sept. 1.
“Kianna is a very motivated and driven student athlete,” says Reeves. “She will be able to contribute to our team in a variety of ways. She is vocal and has a terrific work ethic.”
Counsell is a shooting guard and is undecided about her future academic path but is leading towards courses which will help her earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
“I am a hard worker,” Counsell says. “I am not afraid of doing what it takes to get what I want.”
Her high school team, the Kodiaks have been ranked 10th in the province this year. Her head coach the last two seasons has been Kelly Powell.
“Kianna plays a vital role on our team. She is a smart player who knows the game well. She has a great voice on the floor and she is great to have at a back of a zone or just someone to get the team going on the floor by talking. Kianna has a nice shot and always tries to motivate her teammates.”
Counsell says there will be an adjustment to Canada West and USport competition but she is ready.
“It will be a big leap but I am really excited for it. The level of play is faster and more intense. But I am up for the challenge.”
Powell agrees that Counsell is ready to make the move.
“With any jump to the ‘next’ level, Kianna wil have to adjust to the speed of USport in terms of getting off shots, intensity of athletes and defenses she will face. I am sure as any rookie, she will make those adjustments over time.”
Counsell things she is coming into the women’s basketball program at a good time with a chance to earn a spot on the roster right away.
“It will be fun. I will have to work in order to play but I am excited about the opportunity.”
She is a multi-sport athlete playing volleyball and soccer in high school as well as HPL soccer.
“I am more passionate about basketball so I decided to concentrate on that sport. I also got a lot more opportunities to advance through basketball."
As far as coming to TRU and Kamloops she says, “I love the campus. I love the academics that they offer and the laddering system that they offer so if I don’t want to do one discipline I can switch to the other. I chose TRU because of the academics and how it is so family oriented—both the coaches and players seemed really nice as well.”
The WolfPack are involved in a number of community activities. Powell believes that Counsell will excel in that area of her development as a student/athlete.
“Kianna is a hard working individual both in life and on the court. She is a very kind and caring person. I have had the pleasure of seeing her interact with my children and other students in the school. She always has a smile on her face and is kind hearted.”
Powell adds: “I wish Kianna all the best. She has faced some adversity throughout her basketball career with injuries, etc. and I am proud of her perseverance and commitment to reaching her goals. I know she will be an asset to the team at TRU and the players will enjoy having her on the team.”
Other players committing to the WolfPack women’s basketball program this coming year are: Alley Corrado (5’7” guard, Kelowna, BC-Kelowna Secondary/Jr. Heat), Madison Dickie ( 5’8” wing, Kelowna, BC-Kelowna Secondary/Jr Heat), Jordon Haggarty (5’5” guard, Saskatoon, SK-Centennial Collegiate/Team Saskatchewan), Megan Rouault (5’8” forward, Vernon, BC-Vernon Secondary/Jr Heat).
News from © iNFOnews, 2017