May 5, 2009
OUA WEST PLAYER OF THE YEAR LENNOX PLAYING PROFESSIONALLY IN AUSTRALIA
LONDON, Ont. - Western Mustangs women's basketball standout and CIS first-team all-Canadian Bess Lennox has signed a contract to play for the Southwest Slammers based out of Bunbury, Australia, on the country's west coast.
Lennox (Ottawa, Ont.) will be competing in the State Basketball League which includes 11 other teams from the west state.
"Before coming to Western, I never considered being able to continue my career after university as a possibility," Lennox said. "However, with the high level of competition, both in the regular season and exhibition games, as well as all the time that (head coach) Steph (Barrie) has put into individual skill development, I have the opportunity to play overseas."
"Western has prepared me for the next level in many ways: great coaching, great teammates, as well as a great, supportive atmosphere at the school. I have loved my time here and could not have asked for a better university experience."
Lennox was the OUA West Division player of the year and became Western's all-time rebounding leader in her final season.
"Bess has a rare passion for basketball, and to see her have the opportunity to continue playing the game she loves is terrific," said Western Mustangs women's basketball head coach Stephan Barrie. "Everyone in our program is very proud of Bess and will be following her progress in this new challenge."
"It is great for our program to show players you can play at CIS schools and continue to play professionally."
Lennox will be joining the team halfway through their season which will conclude at the end of August. The team plays their home games in the Eaton Recreation Centre.
The State Basketball Level is a feeder league for the WABL, which is the top league in the country.
The Southwest Slammers are coached by Russel Upton. There are 12 teams in the league and the website for the league is www.sbl.asn.au.
"I am very excited, but also very nervous to be heading to the other side of the world to pursue a career in basketball," said Lennox. "I am really looking forward to seeing how far I can move forward with basketball."
Source: Western Mustangs
Photo Credit: Craig Glover
Lennox (Ottawa, Ont.) will be competing in the State Basketball League which includes 11 other teams from the west state.
"Before coming to Western, I never considered being able to continue my career after university as a possibility," Lennox said. "However, with the high level of competition, both in the regular season and exhibition games, as well as all the time that (head coach) Steph (Barrie) has put into individual skill development, I have the opportunity to play overseas."
"Western has prepared me for the next level in many ways: great coaching, great teammates, as well as a great, supportive atmosphere at the school. I have loved my time here and could not have asked for a better university experience."
Lennox was the OUA West Division player of the year and became Western's all-time rebounding leader in her final season.
"Bess has a rare passion for basketball, and to see her have the opportunity to continue playing the game she loves is terrific," said Western Mustangs women's basketball head coach Stephan Barrie. "Everyone in our program is very proud of Bess and will be following her progress in this new challenge."
"It is great for our program to show players you can play at CIS schools and continue to play professionally."
Lennox will be joining the team halfway through their season which will conclude at the end of August. The team plays their home games in the Eaton Recreation Centre.
The State Basketball Level is a feeder league for the WABL, which is the top league in the country.
The Southwest Slammers are coached by Russel Upton. There are 12 teams in the league and the website for the league is www.sbl.asn.au.
"I am very excited, but also very nervous to be heading to the other side of the world to pursue a career in basketball," said Lennox. "I am really looking forward to seeing how far I can move forward with basketball."
Source: Western Mustangs
Photo Credit: Craig Glover
