Sarah Kuklisin is expected to be a key player for the future of the UNBC women’s basketball program starting in the 2020-21 season.
The Calgary product signed her letter of commitment to the Prince George post-secondary school earlier this week, bringing in a resume that includes an appearance on Alberta’s provincial women’s squad and a stint with the prestigious Vision Basketball Academy.
Kuklisin’s talent is being compared to that of graduating T-Wolf Emily Holmes, something she recognizes herself and understands the shoes she’ll try to fill.
“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,” said Kuklisin in a team release.
“But I see players like Emily [Holmes] and she is actually shorter than me, so it is super exciting to have this opportunity. [...] 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.”
Head Coach Sergey Shchepotkin believes Kuklisin could be the new starting point guard for the UNBC Timberwolves following Holmes’ graduation, adding she could also be a critical leader on and off the court in the years to come.
“Sarah has the ability to play with great pace and elite ball handling,” said Shchepotkin. “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.”
Standing at five-foot-six, Kuklisin claims her speed and dribbling abilities can help push UNBC to get more scoring opportunities on offense.
She says she wants to bring her basketball smarts up to the same standards as her new teammates in making the jump to university athletics.
“I need to work out, get stronger, and work on my conditioning. They all have great IQ and are smart with the ball. Everyone on this team is an athlete. There is not a player who doesn’t have the skills. Everyone is athletic and it is competitive all around.”
The 17-year-old is set to graduate from St. Francis High School in June 2020 and intends to study business in the UNBC classroom, joining her new team for training camp in August.
