Saturday,  March 6, 2010: Keyano College Huskies women’s basketball proudly announces the first four recruits committed for the 2010-2011 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season. Here is a quick Question and Answer to introduce you to the recruits.

Anita Balogh
Hometown: Sylvan Lake, Alberta
High School: H.J. Cody High School
Height 5-foot-11
Position: Centre/Forward

Q: Why did you choose Keyano College over the other schools you were thinking of?
 A: It has a smaller campus compared to the other schools.

Q: What programs are you interested in taking?
 A: I am interested in taking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and/or also a Bachelor in Education.

Q: What were your impressions of Keyano College on your visit?
A: It was a very nice campus, with a lovely gym (Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre)

Q: What is your basketball background?
A: I have played basketball since Grade 6, and I am now the captain of the senior girl’s basketball team at H.J Cody.  

Sam Connolly
Hometown: Lethbrigde, Alberta
High School: Lethbridge Collegiate Institute
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: Point guard.
Points per Game Average: 7.0

Q: Why did you choose Keyano College over the other schools?
A: I chose Keyano because it is a good move academically and for basketball. They have the courses I want to take and I wanted to continue playing basketball after high school.
 
Q: What program are you interested in taking?
A: Social Work, as I am able to take all four years here.
 
Q: What were your impressions of the school on your visit?
A: School is very nice. I liked the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre and I’m excited to play in it.
It’s definitely a place I will enjoy.
 
Q: What is your basketball background?
A: I have been in basketball my whole life. I’ve played every year I have been in school. Except for Grade 6. I was cut!  I live in a very basketball family (father is Keyano Huskies men’s coach Mike Connolly) and had a basketball in my hand before I could walk.

Cassandra Gilmore
Hometown: Taber, Alberta
High School: W.R. Myers High School
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: Shooting Guard
Points per Game Average: 17.0

Q: Why did you choose Keyano College over the other schools?
A: I chose Keyano because it has the academic program I was looking for, is the perfect size for me, the facility is incredible and I am excited about playing basketball here at Keyano.

Q; What program are you interested in taking?
A: I am interested in taking Bachelor of Physical Education. I have a keen interest in fitness and leadership.

Q: What were your impressions of the school on your visit?
A: My impression of Keyano College was very positive. All of the people I met were very welcoming and friendly. The facility was great and the academic advice I received fit into what I wanted.

Q; What is your basketball background?
A: I am currently playing with W.R Myers High school, this is my senior year. W.R Myers plays in the Southern Alberta basketball league. I've also played on the Junior Pronghorns for four years, providing opportunity to play in tournaments throughout the province.

Q: What major award have you won so far in your basketball career?
A: At Myers High School I have been recognized as the Female Athlete of the Year for Grade 9, 10 and 11. In 2008, I received Second Team All-star in the Southern Alberta Basketball League. In 2009, I received First Team All-star in the Southern Alberta Basketball League. I've also had MVP in the provincial Prospects Game.

Q: Future Plans?
A: I envision my future to be in the field of fitness and recreation. I am interested in working as a trainer or recreation director.

A few words from Kendon Bennett, Cassandra’s high school coach: “Her greatest strength is that she is a clutch player.  When the game is on the line she steps up and makes plays. She is a wonderful young woman, very respectful, has never had a bad attitude, and she is a team captain this year. It has been and is an honour and a privilege to be her coach.”

Kasey Reiter
Hometown: Prince George, British Columbia
High School: Prince George Secondary School
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: Point Guard
Points per Game Average: 12.0

Q: Why did you choose Keyano College over the other schools you were thinking of?
A: I will be closer to my family and I really like the facility here and the advantage for student/athletes.

Q: What program are you interested in taking?
A: I am interested in taking University Studies.

Q: What were your impressions of Keyano on your visit?
A: The facility was extremely nice and it left a great impression on me. I liked the tours I had of the school and the selection of academic course that I can take.

Q; What is your basketball background?
 A: I started playing basketball in Grade 5 through the city league and by the time I reached high school I was interested in trying to take the sport a little further. Last year, we won our zone for the fourth year in a row and went to provincials.

Q: Future plans?
A: I want to get a degree in Criminology or Psychology and with that in hand I want to end up as a police officer.

A few words from Ray Bourque, Kasey’s High School Coach: “Kasey is very demanding of herself and her competitive spirit and desire to win is evident in her style of play. She had gained valuable experience playing against many of the best teams and players in B.C., making her an asset to any team she plays on.”