For the first time in its history, an alumni of UNBC Athletics will deliver the keynote speech at the program’s yearly Legacy Breakfast.
Kady Dandeneau, one of the most recognizable names in Prince George sports history, is set to deliver a message of triumphing through adversity at the school’s sixth annual event on the morning of Mar. 11, 2020 at the Courtyard Marriott hotel.
After finding provincial and national success with the Timberwolves’ women’s basketball team, a slew of injuries cut her stand-up career short, so she got in a wheelchair and picked up the game from there.
Her determination led her to a spot on Canada’s national wheelchair basketball team and, as of this August, has punched a ticket to compete for her country in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympics.
“It is an honour to get to represent Canada,” the 29-year-old said in a UNBC Athletics release last summer.
“You couldn’t really ask for more as an athlete. These are the opportunities you dream about. It is surreal to get to be a part of this. I feel really lucky to represent my country doing what I love. I don’t think it gets much better than that.”
En route to a gold medal at the 2019 ParaPanAm Games in Peru, Dandeneau was either first or second for Canada in the tournament for points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, and field goal percentage.
The former T-Wolf even bucketed the first-ever Canadian wheelchair basketball triple-double in the final against the United States, landing 25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
KADY DANDENEAU, EVERYONE. 🔥🔥🔥
— Wheelchair Basketball Canada (@WCBballCanada) August 31, 2019
With 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, in the gold medal match, Dandeneau notched the first triple-double ever for the Canadian Women's Team at a Parapan Am Games!
Let us repeat that: FIRST. TRIPLE-DOUBLE. EVER.
History made. #Lima2019 pic.twitter.com/HDAAs05zjy
During her six-year stint in Prince George, 2007-2013, Dandeneau won two provincial titles (the former BCCAA), was a two-time B.C. All-Star and earned a second-team national All-Star nod in 2012 under then-head coach now UNBC Athletics Director Loralyn Murdoch.
“During her time at UNBC, Kady was known as the ultimate competitor, but she was also recognized for her community involvement and commitment to making a name for the Timberwolves and UNBC” said Murdoch about today’s (Jan. 13) announcement.
“It is incredibly special to welcome her back for a morning that no one will soon forget.”
The UNBC Legacy Breakfast is a fundraiser for the athletics program in helping students come play for the Timberwolves’ soccer or basketball teams on a scholarship.
The previous five events saw guest speakers like Jennifer Jones (2019), Michael Landsberg (2018), Theo Fleury (2017), Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons (2016) and Hayley Wickenheiser (2015).
You can go to UNBC’s website for more information and purchase tickets for the 6:30 a.m. Legacy Breakfast.
