With the UNBC Timberwolves losing graduating players Vasiliki Louka and Abby Gibb, another veteran will be transferring to UNBC in their place.
Emma vanBruinessen is coming over from the University of Alberta-Augustana for the 2019-20 season.
The Leduc, Alberta native has spent three seasons with the Vikings which is in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), but says playing at a higher level in Canada West was an opportunity she wanted to take.
“I never really expected to play U-SPORTS basketball, but when the opportunity came up, it was really exciting," she says in a press release. "There is more travel involved with being a U-SPORTS athlete. You get to see so much more. Also, you get to play at the highest level. It is just exciting to move on past my original goals.”
vanBruinessen made her presence known while playing in Alberta, where she finished in the top five in the ACAC in rebounds per 40 in her three season with the Vikings.
She's also strong on the boards, averaging 8.3 rebounds a game and 16.7 rebounds per 40 minutes.
“I’m five-foot-eleven, so I am a small big, which is an oxymoron," she adds. "I am very tenacious on the boards, and I look forward to being a good fit here. It is something I like to do. I have never really been one to put up big scoring numbers, so rebounding has always been my thing. Coming here, I really felt like I would be able to showcase my skills.”
vanBruinessen is pursuing a political science major, and one day wants to work in government.
“The campus is so nice. It is brand new and is super open, but it has that small feel with smaller classes," she says. "I really enjoyed my time visiting.”
At 20 years old, she'll be looking to fill the void from departing seniors while helping the Timberwolves qualify for a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.
“The fact that the program is so young, and they have been able to make these playoffs berths is really exciting," vanBruinessen says. "Especially with a young program that is relatively new to the conference. I hope to contribute to more success.”
UNBC Head Coach Sergey Shchepotkin is also excited to see the 20-year-old in a Timberwolves jersey, adding she has what it takes to help make UNBC successful.
“Emma has played three years of university basketball, so we like that she is going to give us a an experienced, veteran presence," he adds in the release. "She is a fighter on the court. She battles, takes charges, and does what it takes to help the team be successful. I am really excited to have her in the lineup.”
The newest Timberwolf will join the team in Aug. for training camp.
