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Huskies Celebrate National Championship Victory

After clinching their third U Sports national championship, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team is still basking in the glory of their victory. Just two weeks since their triumph, the team gathered on their home court to celebrate with supporters and raise the renowned ‘Bronze Baby’ trophy.

“I think we’re all on cloud nine still,” remarked Gage Grassick, the standout guard who was named U Sports women’s basketball athlete of the year. “Especially just being able to walk out in front of all of the supporters who have supported us throughout the season.”

The team secured their title with a commanding 85-66 win against the Carleton Ravens in the gold medal game on March 16, marking the first championship win for the program since 2020.

This victory was a culmination of hard work and determination, particularly after the Huskies faced setbacks at the start of their season, losing their first two matches to the Calgary Dinos. The team managed to rally, finishing the remainder of the season with an impressive run of 24 consecutive wins.

Head coach Lisa Thomaidis expressed that this championship was a personal redemption, especially after last year’s loss to Carleton in the finals. “There was one goal. We wanted to avenge our national final loss, but that’s a lot easier said than done,” she said. “To get all the way back to a national championship game two years in a row is so hard.”

The celebration on Monday also highlighted the accomplishments of other Huskies teams, with many athletes recognized at Ron and Jane Graham Centre Court for what has been a remarkable year across the athletic program.

In addition to the women’s basketball triumph, the Huskies also captured three bronze medals at the national level in men’s volleyball, women’s track and field, and men’s hockey. Furthermore, the program boasted three Canada West titles, including a significant victory for the men’s hockey team at home against Mount Royal.

Brandin Cote, the reigning Canada West men’s hockey coach of the year, shared his pride in the Huskies’ accomplishments: “It just speaks volumes about the people that are here that are committed to excellence. When that happens, we all benefit from it.”

The women’s track and field team not only contributed to the medal tally with a national bronze but also excelled individually, winning seven medals across various events. After losing a close semifinal match to the Concordia Stingers, the men’s hockey team bounced back, securing the bronze with a 4-1 victory over the TMU Bold in Ottawa. Similarly, the men’s volleyball team captured bronze after defeating the University of Sherbrooke.

University of Saskatchewan president Peter Stoicheff acknowledged the impressive support for the athletic program, stating, “I don’t really know of another university out of 98 in Canada that has the kind of support that our Huskies Athletics has.”

Thomaidis, who was also recognized as Canada West women’s basketball coach of the year, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the dedication of the Saskatoon community and the university’s commitment to athletics. “It’s a priority here, and you can tell,” she said. “It’s important; the support is behind us, and it feels really good when you can compete and represent a whole community.”

With successes across multiple sports this year, both Thomaidis and Grassick expressed optimism for the future. Grassick noted the collective achievement among athletes, coaches, and support staff as a key to their success this season.

As the Huskies prepare to transition into the next Canada West season, focus will shift to recruitment and enhancing their program. Thomaidis remarked on the expectation for continued success, hinting at championship rings for her athletes. “Kind of back where U of S belongs, I’d say,” she concluded. “We have tremendous support, incredible student-athletes, so I expect there’s more of this to come down the road.”

The Huskies’ next major event will be the annual spring rookie camp, beginning with their Dog’s Breakfast fundraiser on May 1, featuring former Canadian NFL tight end Luke Willson as guest speaker.

Source
globalnews.ca