Lethbridge - A new era of women’s basketball at the University of Lethbridge is set to begin with the 2012-13 season. During the off season former University of Alberta assistant coach Erin McAleenan was hired as the 10th head coach in the program’s history.
 
After two long months of procatice and non-conference games, the women’s basketball team faces their first conference action of the season this weekend, hosting the Winnipeg Wesmen Friday and Saturday night. Tip-off for both nights is scheduled for 6:00pm at the 1^st Choice Savings Centre.
 
McAleenan comes to the ‘Horns after spending the last three seasons with the Pandas. She also brings a wealth of national and provincial team experience to the program. She was an assistant coach with the Canadian Developmental National team at the Pan Am Games in 2011 and an apprentice coach with the Canadian Senior National team in summer 2011.
 
In addition to the coaching change, the ‘Horns will have a distinctly different look as well with only five players returning from last season’s team and only 10 players on the roster.
 
The biggest hole to fill comes from the graduation of guard Lauren Taal. Taal finished her Pronghorn career among the career leaders on the all-time school’s list including second on the scoring list with 1029 points, second in assists with 312 and the school record holder in steals with 192. She is also the school record holder for points in a single game with 34.
 
Looking for some leadership, the ‘Horns welcome OUA transfer Erin Skippon to the front court. Skippon played four seasons with the Queen’s Gaels and in her final season with the Gaels’, the 6’0” post from Kelowna, BC averaged just under 11 points per game and 7.1 rebounds.
 
The addition of Skippon will allow third-year forward Kim Veldman to use her versatility to her advantage. Kim is an athletic forward who is able to play back to the basket as well as spot up from the perimeter.
 
Returning players Steph Inman, Kaitlyn Olsen, and Ali Cameron have put a lot of extra hours in the gym to work on their guard play since last season, making all of them threats from the 3 point line. True freshman Karen Li, who was the BC AA Provincial MVP will also see time in the ‘Horns back court and her future looks bright at the CIS level.
 
The Wesmen, ranked ninth in the Canada West pre-season coaches’ poll, have assembled a group of players with a variety of playing experience.
 
Five players on this year’s roster will be entering their third or fourth years of playing experience. Fourth-year forward Alyssa Grant averaged over nine points a game last season and once again showed her touch from outside. Third-year guard Stephanie Kleysen averaged 9.9 points and 7.2 rebounds last. Kleysen, a former Canada West rookie of the year, is more than capable of averaging a double-double for the team this season.
 
Guard Yael Kaplan, entering her third season took full advantage of increased playing time last year averaging 10.8 points per game. Kaplan with another year of experience should be a force this year.
 
Five new faces will join the team this season, including three of the top four high school players in Manitoba. Guard Kerri Kuzbyt, ranked No. 1 headlines the group and averaged 24 points, six rebounds, six assists in grade 12. Kuzbyt was named the Top Female High School Athlete in Manitoba in 2011-2012. 
 
Both games will also be webcast at www.canadawest.tv, home for all Canada West webcasts.
 
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