THUNDER BAY – Sports – John Kreiner and the Lakehead University Thunderwolves women’s basketball program have announced the addition of three players to the roster. Rachael Bland (Washington, U.K.), Gabrielle Robin (Riverview, N.B.) and Jessica de Haan (Thunder Bay, ON) have all formally announced their commitments to join the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
Rachael Bland: 5’8” Guard – Kinesiology
Hometown: Washington, Tyne and Wear , England
Last Team: Leeds Carnegie, Division 1
Achievements:
– British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championship Winners with Leeds Met 2011;
– Made Final Four’s National League Division 1 with Leeds Carnegie 2011;
– Captained Tyne Metropolitan College to 2 consecutive years at the British College finals 2008 & 2009, finishing 2nd in 2009 and as Sports Woman of the Year and MVP;
– Competed and played in National League division 2 for Team Northumbria II received MVP 2008.
Rachael said, “Playing overseas has always been a big ambition of mine, after having 2 successful years playing for Leeds Carnegie in Division 1 in England. I want to take the next step in my basketball career, and Lakehead University is just the place to do this. With high expectations on the importance of hard work shared by both the coaching staff and players as a Thunderwolf, this is an environment I feel I will thrive in.”
“To be a part of a hard working team such as the Thunderwolves, combined with their strong teamwork makes my decision straightforward and easy. It would be an honour to be accepted into the Thunderwolves’ family and I would take great pride in representing this team both on the court and in the classroom at Lakehead University. I hope to continue to better my own performance as a Thunderwolf and contribute greatly to an already successful program.”
Coach Kreiner, “Rachael brings great experience & has 5 years of eligibility. Rachael has done a lot already in her great basketball career & we are thrilled that she will bring that experience to Lakehead University. Rachael is a tough defender who has great basketball I.Q. She is great in the dribble drive game & can play all guard positions. What I liked most about Rachael was her focus on hard work & team play. She also brings a confidence to the table which will certainly raise our level of play.”
Gabrielle Robin: 5’10” Forward – Kinesiology
Hometown: Riverview, New Brunswick
Last Team: Riverview High Royals
Stats: 15 points per game, 10 rebounds per game
Achievements:
– Undefeated in four years of high school league play with Riverview Royals;
– Four years of varsity basketball with Riverview High School, won 3 consecutive New Brunswick High School AAA Championships (2008, 2009 & 2010);
– Led team to this year’s 2011 Championship game, averaging 25 pts in the last 3 qualifying games;
– Top 2% in academic standings in Riverview High School’s graduating class (95% average)
– Various tournament MVPs
Gabrielle Robin states, “I chose Lakehead University because, quite simply, I think it is a good fit for me. I felt very welcomed by the coaches, team, and the community. Coach Kreiner’s enthusiasm and dedication are akin to my beliefs of hardwork and perseverance, they always pay off. I believe that my love for basketball is perfectly matched with those at Lakehead. I am excited to play for the Thunderwolves in the fall, while pursuing my academic goals.”
LU Coach Kreiner shared, “I am very excited that Gabrielle has chosen to play at Lakehead University. I have had my eye on Gab for a while and she is a straight up winner. First to arrive and last to leave the gym describes Gabrielle best. She hails from one of the most successful female basketball programs in the country & with that a great basketball sense. Gabrielle has been well coached & brings experience, versatility & a passion for the game of basketball.”
Jessica de Haan: 6’0” Forward – Psychology, 2nd year (Lakehead U)
Hometown: Thunder Bay, ON
Last Team: Hammarskjold High School Vikings
Stats: 12 points per game, 8 rebounds per game
Achievements:
– All-Star (Halifax Hoops for Hope, All-Star (Thunder Bay Hoops for Hope) & LU High School Tournament All-Star;
– 2010 NWOSSSA Champions, Lindsey Pearce Award (High School)
– Undefeated regular season & playoffs in final year
Jessica de Haan shares, “I’m really excited to play with this team. I’ve been watching them play for two years and they have inspired me to play again,” says de Hann. “I know they’re a great group of competitors and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”
Coach Kreiner comments, “I recruited Jessica two years ago & it is my pleasure to finally have her decide to play for Lakehead University. Jessica has a great basketball physique – long, strong & very athletic. She is a competitor & hates to lose. Jessica will give us much needed depth in the forward position & will be well suited for our style of play.”