We had to chance to chat with some of the best players throughout USports this season. We look forward to covering them throughout the year.

OUA Conference

Ryan Zimmer / Winston Knoll / 5’11 / Algoma University

Growing up in Regina, Saskatchewan, Ryan Zimmer got her start in basketball through a small local league called RCBA. “We only had four teams, so I got really close with the girls I played with,” she says. That tight-knit environment sparked something bigger. Before long, Ryan and her teammates were playing club ball, crossing the border for tournaments, and taking steps toward the next level.

That momentum carried her into provincial basketball and three straight trips to Nationals with Team Sask. Along the way, she stacked up awards—Athlete of the Year, multiple MVPs, and back-to-back leadership honours. Now, she’s heading east to join Algoma University and compete in the OUA.

For Ryan, the dream of playing college basketball didn’t come out of nowhere. “It’s always been something I wanted to do,” she says. “My aunt played at U of R, and I used to go watch her games. My cousins were also in university sports, so it was just kind of normal to want to follow that path.”

Unlike some athletes who wait for interest to roll in, Ryan took a proactive approach to recruiting. “A lot of players think coaches are just going to find them, but you really have to put yourself out there,” she says. “It’s tough to talk about your own game, but I kind of liked that part. It shows you which coaches value how you actually play.” That mindset helped her land at Algoma, where both the school and the people made a strong impression. “It wasn’t even all about basketball. After my visit, the team just felt like a great group to be around. The coach, the city—it all felt like a good fit.”

Heading into her rookie season, Ryan knows she’ll be asked to do a bit of everything. “The coach wants me to be aggressive,” she says. “I’ll be playing in the post and on the perimeter, which is new for me, but I’m excited to take on that role.” One area of her game she feels will translate well is her physicality. “That’s something a lot of players struggle with when they make the jump, but I think I’m ready for it.” On the flip side, she’s looking to cut down on fouls and stay on the floor longer. “I’ve been working on that, for sure.”

Anika Fermin / Pickering High / 5’7 / University of Guelph

Anika Fermin’s basketball story started early. “When I was three, I was in daycare, and instead of playing with dolls, I picked up a basketball and tried to throw it into the net,” she says with a laugh. “From then on, I think my parents knew I wanted to play sports.” She officially joined her first rep team in grade three with Triple Balance and stuck with it for several seasons before moving to Canada Elite, Northern Queens, JUEL, and eventually the Scarborough Blues. Each stop added something new to her game and prepared her for the next level.

One of her favorite basketball memories came during her time at Pickering High. “We were playing for the LOSSA final against Notre Dame,” she says. “One of our top players got into foul trouble, so a lot of the responsibility fell on me. I was the point guard, and I just remember tuning everything out—like I didn’t even hear the crowd. I was just locked in.” Pickering ended up winning, and she still remembers the feeling. “When the buzzer went, everyone was screaming, the gym was packed, and it was just pure excitement.”

Anika credits several coaches for shaping her into the player she is today. “Coach Brian Bree from the Scarborough Blues was a huge help. He always kept me motivated,” she says. “My high school coach, Mr. Gudinski, was tough, but he pushed us and helped us win bronze at OFSAA. Without him, I don’t think I’d be where I am now.” She also mentions Jason King from the Blues and Coach Drew, who helped her find confidence in her shot. “Drew kept telling me to keep shooting, even when I missed or air-balled. He made me believe in myself.”

When it came time to choose a university, Guelph felt like the right fit. “I didn’t want to be too far from my family—I’m a big family girl,” she says. “I love my parents, my brother, and my cousins, so that was really important to me.” But it wasn’t just about location. “It’s a great school, they had my program, and when I saw the team, I was shocked by how talented everyone was,” she says. “Players like Emily Lafon and Kaydence Pecor are amazing. From my first practice, I could tell the energy here was different. Everyone was so welcoming and positive.”

That family feel was what sealed the decision. “Basketball is family to me,” she says. “These girls aren’t just teammates—they’re my sisters. Everyone pushes each other, and even when you mess up, they’re right there encouraging you.” Anika also praises head coach Mark Walton. “He’s a great coach. I had a few other offers, but Guelph just felt like home.”

Heading into her first season, she understands her role and what’s expected. “My goal is to play my role, be a positive teammate, and bring energy every day,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if something goes wrong. As long as I’m giving effort, staying positive, and helping others do the same, that’s what matters most.”

On the court, she knows where her strengths lie. “I’m good at pushing the tempo and creating plays,” she says. “I like getting easy buckets for my teammates or setting them up for good shots. I think my pace and passing will fit really well at this level.” She’s also honest about what she wants to improve. “I’m working on my defensive rotations and ball pressure,” she says. “I want to get more rebounds and make the right reads on offense—getting the ball to the right people at the right time. Basically just being smarter with my decisions.”

When asked what a successful first season would look like, her answer is simple. “It’s not just about wins or losses,” she says. “It’s about growth. If I can look back after my first year and see that I’ve improved—whether it’s on defense, rotations, or communication—that’s success to me. Building chemistry with the team and learning how to play together is a big part of that too.”

Looking ahead, Anika is open to where basketball might take her. “I’d love to go pro if the opportunity comes,” she says. “I just want my time at Guelph to show all the hard work I’ve put in. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone else—I just want to see that all my effort paid off.”

If she could train with any player, she wouldn’t pick an NBA or WNBA star. “I’d want to work out with JuJu Watkins,” she says. “Her ability to drive and create plays for herself and her teammates is incredible. Watching how she moves and controls the game is something I really admire.”

From the kid tossing a ball at daycare to a newly committed guard at Guelph, Anika Fermin has always found a way to keep growing. Her energy, leadership, and drive to get better are exactly what she’ll bring with her to the Gryphons this season.

Kayla O’Keefe / Burloak Elite / 5’6 / Wilfrid Laurier University

Kayla O’Keefe is a definite rookie to look out for. She played her club basketball with Burloak Elite, where she was named team MVP and earned selections to the all-defensive team and first-team all-star list.

O’Keefe finished the season ranked second on her team in points, rebounds, and assists per game, and fourth in steals per game. She was a key part of Burloak’s recent success across OBLX and provincial competition.

In addition to her club contributions, O’Keefe has earned multiple athletic awards at the high school level, including Junior and Senior Basketball MVP, Junior Track MVP, and the Senior Sportsmanship Award.

She’ll arrive at Laurier with experience running the point and contributing on both ends of the floor.

Tyanne Matosas-Adderley / 5’9 / Shooting Guard / Carleton University

Tyanne Matosas-Adderley is a 5’9 guard committed to Carleton University, bringing a proven track record of high-level team success to the Ravens. In 2023, she was part of a team that captured a National Championship, a State Championship, and a third-place finish at the Nike Tournament of Champions. That same year, she was selected to the Canadian Biosteel All-Star Game.

In 2024, Matosas-Adderley returned as a varsity starter, helping her team reach both the national and state finals while securing regional, sectional, and conference titles.

With her championship pedigree and national-level experience, Matosas-Adderley is in a great position to help the Ravens return to the U SPORTS Elite 8.

Kendra Nuguid / Lincoln Prep / 5’6 / Carleton University

Kendra Nuguid, a 5’6 point guard from Ottawa, arrives from Lincoln Prep, where she played a key role in the backcourt, contributing as both a primary ball handler and scorer.

Before joining Lincoln, Nuguid led her former high school varsity team to championships as a freshman and earned multiple MVP and Player of the Game honours. Known for her ability to run an offense and shoot efficiently, she has continued to develop her game at the prep level while maintaining strong academic performance as an honour roll student.

With a strong résumé and experience in both high school and prep environments, Nuguid adds leadership and backcourt depth to a Ravens program looking to return to the U SPORTS Elite 8.

AUS & RSEQ Conferences

Sana’a Alonzo / Bill Crothers / 5’8 / University of Prince Edward Island

Sana’a Alonzo started playing basketball in grade one, following her older sister. At first, she preferred soccer, but over time, basketball stuck. By grade nine, after coming back from a broken ankle, she started taking the sport seriously. “I didn’t even think I’d play again after that,” she says. “But that year I did really well, and I even surprised myself. That’s when I started taking everything serious.”

Her time at Bill Crothers helped her grow on and off the court. The mix of strong competition and support from coaches and teammates pushed her to new levels. “I think Bill Crothers really helped me become a better me,” she says. “My teammates were great, my coaches pushed me, and I just learned a lot about consistency and confidence.” Moving between leagues like JUEL and OSBA was an adjustment, but one that shaped her game. “It was definitely harder to adapt at first, but it made me stronger and improved my conditioning and mental toughness.”

A big part of her journey comes from the mentors who guided her early on. “My first coach, George Thomas, was everything to me,” she says. “He’s the one who made me love basketball. He always encouraged me to do better no matter what.” She also credits her coaches at SA for helping her grow both as a player and a person. “They’re just genuine people. I never felt bad when they gave me feedback because I knew it came from a good place—they wanted the best for me.”

When it comes to players she looks up to, there’s no hesitation. “Kyrie Irving is my favorite, hands down,” she says. “I love how he plays. He’s versatile, confident, and just has that mentality. I don’t care what anyone says—he’s the best point guard ever.” Anthony Edwards also makes her list, but Kyrie’s influence stands out. “I started watching him around grade nine, when I really started taking basketball serious,” she says. “He made me want to get better.”

Her decision to commit to UPEI came after interest from several schools, including Division I and II programs, but the Panthers felt like the right fit. “Yes, my sister’s here too, but the visit sold me,” she says. “The chemistry, the leadership, the people—everyone was so nice and welcoming. The energy here just felt right. Everyone’s great, and the campus is beautiful.”

Sana’a describes her game as confident and unselfish. “I’m a shooter,” she says. “I know I can shoot the ball, and even if I miss, I’ll keep shooting. I don’t stop.” She takes pride in her court vision and ability to make her teammates look good. “I like finding open teammates and keeping the game fast-paced,” she adds. “I hate slow basketball. I like when everything flows.” She also believes her strength and finishing ability will translate well to the next level. “I’m a bit bigger for my position, so I know I can finish strong at the rim,” she says. “And I can play high minutes. I’ve played 40-minute games before, so I’m ready for that challenge.”

As she heads into her first year at UPEI, her goals are simple—stay consistent, stay healthy, and improve. “I want to see growth from my last season to now,” she says. “I want to know that I got better. I want my confidence to stay strong and not drop no matter what happens.” She’s also focused on team success. “Everyone here wants to win. You can feel it in practice. I just want to help in any way I can and keep my teammates’ energy up when things get hard.”

Looking ahead, Sana’a hopes to balance basketball with her academic goals. “I want to go pro, but I also want to go to law school,” she says. “First comes school, but I’d love to play overseas one day. I just want to be able to balance everything and not feel all over the place.”

If she could give advice to young players, it would be to believe in themselves no matter what. “There will be days your shot doesn’t fall or people doubt you,” she says. “But you have to stay confident and not compare yourself to others. Focus on being a better version of you.” She also stresses being a good teammate and enjoying the process. “Use your voice, be positive, and have fun. Remember why you started playing. You did it for yourself, not for anyone else.”

From the early days playing alongside her sister to starting her university career on the East Coast, Sana’a Alonzo is stepping into her next chapter ready to learn, compete, and grow—one game at a time.

Kayla Couturier || Cegep Saint-Jean || Laval University

Kayla Couyutirt’s path to the Rouge et Or started in Val-d’Or, Quebec. That’s where she played her first year of organized basketball before moving to Québec City to join Séminaire Saint-François. From there, she finished high school with coach David Lavasseur on the Élite par Excellence team. Her next stop was Cegep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, where she spent three years with the Géants, and now she’s suiting up for Laval in her first U SPORTS season.

Along the way, she’s already built an impressive résumé. Kayla was named MVP of the RSEQ Division 1 for the 2024–25 season and earned all-star honours at the CCAA national championship. It was her third time at nationals, but her first time being recognized among the country’s best. That experience left a mark, not just because of the recognition, but because it reminded her how much preparation and team chemistry matter when you get to that level. You can win games during the season with raw talent, but at nationals, every team is good. What separates the best from the rest is focus, work ethic, and how connected you are with your team.

She’s quick to credit the coaches who helped shape her game, especially Bernard Tanguay at Saint-Jean. She says he pushed her to grow not just as a player, but as a person, and had the biggest impact on her both on and off the court.

For Kayla, basketball is more than just a sport. It keeps her grounded in school, keeps her motivated, and gives her structure. “Without basketball, I don’t know if I’d still be in school,” she says. “It pushes me to pass my classes, to keep going.” Her teammates are also a huge part of that. They’re not just teammates—they’re the people she spends nearly all her time with, and that connection helps keep everything else in balance.

When asked to sum herself up in one word, she goes with success—but not in the way most people might think. To her, success isn’t just about trophies or wins. It’s about showing up every day, grinding in the weight room, staying locked in at practice, and doing the little things. Sometimes success is just a great practice or a coach’s nod of approval. It’s not the spotlight moments—it’s everything you put in behind the scenes.

That mindset carries into her first year at Laval. She knows she may not play big minutes right away, but she treats every second on the floor like it matters. Whether it’s 30 seconds or 15 minutes, she’s going to give everything she has. That means going full-out on defense, crashing the boards, staying aggressive—whatever it takes. Her role might not always show up in the box score, but her impact comes from effort, intensity, and consistency.

The team’s goal this year is clear: qualify for nationals, especially with Laval hosting. For Kayla, the goal is also about growth. She’s playing with some of the top players in the country, and she’s focused on learning everything she can from them while competing with them in practice every day. It’s about being just a little better each week, so when it’s her time to lead, she’s ready.

Choosing Laval felt like coming full circle. After spending part of her high school life in Québec City and already knowing many players on the team, it felt like home. The connection with head coach Guillaume Giroux—who coached her on Team Quebec—was another factor. She already knew his approach and philosophy, and wanted to play for him again, this time at the U SPORTS level.

Ava MacNutt / Halifax West / 5’8 / St. Francis Xavier University

Ava MacNutt started playing basketball around the age of five and never really looked back. Growing up in Halifax, she came through Nova Scotia’s provincial program, represented her province at Canada Basketball Nationals, and wrapped up her high school career with a championship at Halifax West. “We lost in the provincial final in grade 10 and 11,” she says. “So coming back and finally winning it in grade 12 meant a lot. That was probably my favorite high school memory.”

Her path to St. Francis Xavier was influenced by familiarity, but also by feel. “I’ve known about X for a long time, but when I went on my visit, it just felt different,” she says. “The culture, the team, the connection between players—everything just stood out. It felt like a place where people really cared and worked hard.”

Ava already has ties to the program through her time with Nova Scotia’s provincial teams, where she played alongside some of her current teammates. That familiarity, along with her connection to longtime coach and mentor Jonathan Bell, helped shape her decision. “He’s coached me since I was 11,” she says. “He’s taught me pretty much everything I know and actually played at X too. He’s a big reason I’m playing university basketball right now.”

As she steps into her first season, Ava’s role is clear. “My coach wants me to control the tempo, be a floor general, and bring defensive intensity,” she says. “That’s what I’m focused on—facilitating, keeping things under control, and pressuring the ball.”

The jump from high school to U SPORTS has been a noticeable shift, especially in terms of pace and physicality. “The game is definitely faster and more physical,” she says. “It’s been an adjustment, but the preseason games have helped a lot. I’m starting to feel more comfortable each time out.”

On the court, she sees her defense and passing as her biggest assets. “I like to pressure the ball and create for others,” she says. “Getting teammates open and setting things up is something I take pride in.” At the same time, she’s honest about what she’s working on. “I’m trying to get stronger. Everyone at this level is more physical, so I’m putting time in the weight room. And I’m also working on decision-making—knowing when to make the right pass or play.”

Ava and the rest of the team have their sights set high. “Our goal is to win an AUS championship,” she says. “That’s what we talk about every day. We call it the ‘white hat standard,’ and that’s the level we’re trying to reach in everything we do—practice, games, workouts, all of it.”

Long term, she’d love the chance to play beyond university. “Playing pro would be a dream come true,” she says. “But even more than that, I want to win a national championship with X. I grew up watching this league, and I looked up to so many players. Being someone that younger girls can look up to now—that means a lot to me.”

Her advice to younger players is simple: be coachable. “Being able to take criticism and always wanting to get better is everything,” she says. “That gets you farther than talent sometimes.”

If she had the chance to train with any player, her answer’s immediate. “Paige Bueckers,” she says. “She’s one of my favorites to watch. I’ve seen some of her workouts, and I’d love to be on the court with her.”

Katie Firth / Orangeville Prep / 5’11 / Acadia University

Katie Firth is set to make an impact for Acadia University this season. 

She was named Defensive Player of the Year for Orangeville Prep in 2024 and competed in several major events, including the Biosteel Futures Game (2023) and the All-Canadian Next Ones Up Game (2024). That same year, she helped Orangeville Prep finish second in the Trillium League.

Prior to her prep career, Firth was named MVP at Orangeville District Secondary School when her team won the CWOSSA championship in 2021. She also earned academic achievement honours in both 2023 and 2024 and plans to pursue a degree in bioscience at Acadia.

Firth joins an Acadia program with a strong team culture and is positioned to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

Canada West Conference 

Jordynn Neumann / Miller Comprehensive / 6’0 / Forward

Jordynn Neumann has been one of the most consistent and impactful players in Regina high school basketball over the past few seasons. The 6’0 forward is a two-time MVP at Miller Comprehensive, earning team honours in both her Grade 10 and Grade 11 seasons.

She’s also been a regular on the provincial stage. Neumann represented Team Saskatchewan at the 2024 17U National Championship in St. John’s, where she averaged 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Two summers earlier, she led the 15U National Championship in scoring with 16 points per game in Sherbrooke, Que.

Despite dealing with injuries throughout her high school career, Neumann’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor has made her a standout. With her size, skill, and national-level experience, she’s a player to keep an eye on as she continues her development.

Mavleen Chahal / Lord Tweedsmuir / 5’7 / Point Guard

Mavleen Chahal is a steady and composed floor general who’s shown she can lead from the front in big moments. The 5’7 point guard has built a strong résumé over her high school career, including an All-Canadian nomination and valuable experience with BC’s provincial team.

Chahal played a key role in helping Lord Tweedsmuir remain competitive in BC’s 4A circuit and gained national-level exposure through her time in the Canada Basketball pathway. Her ability to read the floor, handle pressure, and create plays for teammates makes her a strong presence at the lead guard spot.

Mackenzie Henderson / Seaquam Secondary / 5’7 / University of Calgary

Mackenzie Henderson got into basketball early. “I started when I was five,” she says. “Just playing in a little league in Kelowna. My parents signed me up, and I kind of loved it right away.” A few years later, she joined AthElite and stayed with the club all the way through grade 12. “I tried out in grade 6 and stuck with it. It’s been a big part of my journey.”

She spent her final two years of high school at Seaquam Secondary in Delta, where her team won back-to-back provincial championships. Her first title run stands out the most. “We went in ranked third, so we knew we had a shot, but nothing was guaranteed,” she says. “We ended up playing the number two team in the final and won by seven or nine points. Just not being expected to win and still pulling it off—that was really special.”

When it came time to choose a university, she was clear about what mattered. “The biggest thing for me was team culture,” she says. “I wanted to be part of a program that values winning as a team and has a supportive coaching staff. Calgary checked all those boxes. Plus, it’s a good school, and I knew I could get a strong education here.”

Her early experience with the Dinos has confirmed she made the right call. “Practices and preseason have been great. The team has been super welcoming,” she says. “And I’ve been learning a lot already.”

As she steps into her first season, Mackenzie’s still settling into her role, but she’s clear on what she wants to bring to the table. “Right now, my goal is to be a knockdown three-point shooter and a strong, reliable defender,” she says. “That’s what I want to contribute, and I think that can help us win games.”

She also knows what she’s working on. “I want to get better at scoring inside the arc,” she says. “Getting to the rim, using floaters, pull-ups—all of that. Just being more of a threat inside, not just from three.”

One of her biggest strengths is her defensive energy. “Playing against bigger, stronger, faster players is tough,” she says. “But I like the challenge. Even if it’s not always about having the perfect skill set, I have the drive to stop the ball and create turnovers.”

Looking ahead, she’s not focused on stats or awards. “For me, a successful season means I got better,” she says. “Even if it’s just one thing, as long as I’m improving and adjusting to this level, that’s a win.”

Long term, she’s open to what comes next. “I’m not sure yet if I want to go pro, but I’m definitely open to it,” she says. “Right now, I’m focused on these next five years. If I can break a shooting record at some point, that would be pretty cool. That’s a goal of mine.”

Growing up in Kelowna, one of her biggest role models was Taya Hanson. “She’s from Kelowna too, and I met her right before she went off to Arizona State,” Mackenzie says. “She’s been a great mentor—always answering questions, giving advice. She’s someone I really look up to.”

As for advice to younger players, she keeps it simple. “Don’t give up, and don’t doubt the work you’re putting in,” she says. “If you know you’re putting in the work, trust that it’ll pay off.”

She also credits AthElite for helping her get to this level. “They really invest in their players,” she says. “They believe in you, and they help you figure out your path. They’ve had a big impact on a lot of us.”

Whether it’s as a shooter, a defender, or someone willing to do the little things to help her team win, Mackenzie Henderson is ready to make an impact with the Calgary Dinos.

Brooke Wagner / Strathcona Composite / 6’3 / UBC Thunderbirds

Brooke Wagner didn’t grow up expecting basketball to be her thing. She started playing in grade seven after making her school team, and at first, it was just about having fun with friends. “I was never one of the top players,” she says. “I was playing community ball, usually on the C team, but I always just loved playing.” Things changed in grade nine when she made Team Alberta. “I don’t even know how I made it,” she says, laughing. “But that’s when I realized basketball could actually be my thing.”

Her basketball roots go deeper than her own journey. Brooke’s mom played post-secondary at The King’s University in Edmonton, and that connection meant a lot. “She’s a huge role model for me,” she says. “Getting to follow in her footsteps in a way has been super cool.”

Her favorite memory from high school came last season, when she and her team at Strathcona won provincials. “We were such a close team. All of us were best friends, so winning together made it even better,” she says. “That experience was just so fun and one I’ll always remember.”

When it came time to pick a university, UBC stood out quickly. “The biggest thing for me was having a coach I trusted and who believed in me as a player,” she says. “I wanted to be somewhere with a strong culture, great academics, and a competitive basketball program. UBC gave me all of that.” On her visit, it became clear she was in the right place. “You could see how connected the team was. Even just watching the bench during games, you could feel the energy.”

So far, her transition to the university game has been positive. She’s still settling into her role, but the conversations she’s had with her coaching staff have given her confidence. “I think they see a lot of potential in me, and that’s exciting,” she says. “They’ve shown they believe in me, and that makes me want to keep pushing myself.”

Brooke sees her versatility as her biggest strength. “With my length, athleticism, and speed, I feel like I can be a strong defender and rebounder right away,” she says. “And I’m super competitive. I love to go out and compete—that’s what I’m most excited for.”

Like most first-years, she’s also adjusting to the physicality and speed of the game. “Everyone is just so much stronger and faster than high school,” she says. “That’s been the biggest difference. So I’m working on building strength and getting used to the pace.”

She isn’t overly focused on stats or individual targets. Her personal goals are all about growth. “I just want to compete with the best, have fun, and learn more about the game and myself,” she says. “This year will be a good test for that.”

As for the team, expectations are high. “We’ve got a really special group of girls this year,” she says. “We want to medal at Nationals. That’s the goal. But at the same time, we don’t want to take any of it for granted. We want to show up, compete, and enjoy the ride.”

Looking ahead, Brooke wants to finish her university career with no regrets. “I just want to know I gave it everything I had,” she says. “And the relationships I build with my teammates—those are just as important to me as anything on the court.”