Following a one year hiatus, Jenna Korolek is making a return to the hardcourt.
The UNBC Women’s Basketball team bolstered its backcourt today, officially announcing the commitment of the Prince George resident for the upcoming Canada West season.
“It was a wonderful feeling because I have wanted to play post-secondary since I was in Grade 11. That’s when I thought, ‘Okay, I can actually do this,’” she said.
The 2019 Kelly Road graduate was a first-year student at UNBC this year, studying Health Sciences. With a long-term goal of becoming a physiotherapist, Korolek also set her eyes on the short-term goal of playing for her hometown team.
“You think of university ballplayers at this really high level. It is a huge step from high school to university. Coming here, playing with them, they were all so much more supportive, because they know you and want you to get better. It’s just nice to be able to see that I can play,” explained Korolek.
The 18-year-old had wanted to play with the TWolves this year, but suffered an ankle injury that put her out of action much of the recruiting period.
Now 100 percent healthy, the two-time City All-Star hopes her game translates at the next level.
“I am a hard worker and a great hustler. I always want the ball in my hand, as a point guard. I always want to be dribbling with pace, and I have gotten really good with my outside shooting. My defense is fast and really aggressive,” she added.
Korolek started playing basketball at Kelly Road in Grade 10, and quickly gained local prominence.
A competitive swimmer with the PG Barracuda, she swam at the Youth National level before starting at Kelly Road.
“I think it’s going to be a dream come true. I think I am going to put it on and say ‘oh damn, this is real, this is so exciting.’ I am actually a Timberwolf. My goal is on right now. It’s going to be amazing.”
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