The UNBC women’s basketball team bolstered its roster for next season with the commitment of guard Sarah Kuklisin.
The 17-year-old is happy to fulfill her lifelong goal.
“I have always had the dream of playing at the U SPORTS level, and I didn’t know if I would make it because I am the height that I am. But I see players like Emily (Holmes) and she is actually shorter than me, so it is super exciting to have this opportunity.”
She visited the UNBC in November, touring the facilities, and training alongside the Timberwolves.
“UNBC is really good. This is a really good team. They have gone to the playoffs three straight years, despite being such a small school. My visit was amazing. I loved it. I really like the people here and the environment. It is really beautiful here.”
She attends St. Francis High School and is part of the Vision Basketball Academy where the Calgary native has played at the provincial level for Team Alberta.
Kuklisin is hopeful her skills translate well to the university level.
“I have always played really fast. Pushing the ball is something I love to do. I don’t like to slowly dribble it up. I still have to work on my three-pointer, my outside shooting, and my jumper. I also need to get smarter when I get into the paint.”
T-Wolves Head Coach Sergey Shchepotkin will lose starting point guard Emily Holmes to graduation this season and sees his newest recruit playing a major role over the next five years.
“Sarah has the ability to play with great pace and elite ball handling. She has all the makings to become a very good point guard at the Canada West level. I love her ability to organize her team, advance the ball, and run the offense. I am thrilled to add Sarah to our program, where I think she will be an impact player.”
A NEW Timberwolf! @UNBCWomensBball is extremely excited to welcome @BasketballAB vet Sarah Kuklisin for the 2020-2021 @CanadaWest season! Hear from Sarah in the video, and read all about the good news here: https://t.co/F1K4x3VehM pic.twitter.com/KNmKlku0tL
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) December 4, 2019