July 30, 2009
TRANSFERS NEKULIAK, BEAUCHAMP TO JOIN LAKEHEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - Lakehead Athletics and Thunderwolves head coach Jon Kreiner are happy to announce the recruitment of transfer athletes Chelsea Nekuliak (Thunder Bay, Ont.) and Amy Beauchamp (Surrey, B.C.) for the 2009-10 season.
Nekuliak (pictured), a five-foot-ten wing, played last season at Algoma University (OCAA) where she made the OCAA all-rookie team and was named a second team league all-star. She was named MVP of the OCAA all-star game and was Algoma's female athlete of the year while averaging 11 points per game, with 6.2 rebound per game and 1.1 steals per game.
The local product played high school basketball at St. Ignatius High School for coach Lauri McFarlane. There, Nekuliak was captain and MVP of the Falcons, earning Thunder Bay city all-star honours and receiving the Thunder Bay officials sportsmanship award. Behind her leadership, St. Ignatius won multiple league championships and competed at OFSAA.
Nekuliak, who will study nursing, says she's excited to make the transition to OUA basketball after her stint at Algoma.
"It has always been my goal to play at this (OUA) level and I am very excited that I get to do it in my hometown," said Nekuliak. "The players here work extremely hard all year round and I know they are going to push me to my limits and that I will learn a lot by playing for Lakehead University."
Coach Kreiner says that Nekuliak will bring several skills to the Wolves roster.
"Chelsea has worked very hard to improve her shooting and has gained valuable experience playing for Algoma this past season. She is very athletic, has great length, runs the floor well, and will give us defence, rebounding and a knack for scoring tough hoops. I look forward to coaching Chelsea this year and to watch her develop and reach her potential."
Beauchamp joins the Thunderwolves after one season at Douglas College (BCCAA) where she was a scholarship athlete. She will study concurrent education in history with a minor in kinesiology.
A six-foot-one forward/post, Beauchamp played at Holy Cross High School in Surrey, B.C. for her father Steve, and led her team to a provincial championship berth during each of her high school seasons, winning in 2005.
Beauchamp captained her team in grade 12 and was named to the Fraser Valley and Catholics first all-star team with 15 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, and three blocks per game. She was also named best defensive player in the Catholic league that year and was an honourable mention as a provincial all-star.
Beauchamp feels that Lakehead is the right fit for her, both on and off the court.
"I wanted to come to Lakehead so I could play at a higher level and challenge myself and to experience life on campus," said Beauchamp. "My aspirations are to teach physical education and coach at the high school level and my program and coaching opportunities at Lakehead will get me one step closer. I have lots to work on but I am excited for the challenge."
Coach Kreiner is pleased to add another strong post player to his team.
"Amy has a great attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to play at the CIS level. She will provide us with needed depth and height at the post and forward positions," said Kreiner. "Amy has very long arms and has the potential to be a great shot blocker, rebounder, and defensive player at the CIS level. I am very happy that Amy has decided to join our Thunderwolves family as she will be a very welcome addition."
Source: Lakehead Thunderwolves
Nekuliak (pictured), a five-foot-ten wing, played last season at Algoma University (OCAA) where she made the OCAA all-rookie team and was named a second team league all-star. She was named MVP of the OCAA all-star game and was Algoma's female athlete of the year while averaging 11 points per game, with 6.2 rebound per game and 1.1 steals per game.
The local product played high school basketball at St. Ignatius High School for coach Lauri McFarlane. There, Nekuliak was captain and MVP of the Falcons, earning Thunder Bay city all-star honours and receiving the Thunder Bay officials sportsmanship award. Behind her leadership, St. Ignatius won multiple league championships and competed at OFSAA.
Nekuliak, who will study nursing, says she's excited to make the transition to OUA basketball after her stint at Algoma.
"It has always been my goal to play at this (OUA) level and I am very excited that I get to do it in my hometown," said Nekuliak. "The players here work extremely hard all year round and I know they are going to push me to my limits and that I will learn a lot by playing for Lakehead University."
Coach Kreiner says that Nekuliak will bring several skills to the Wolves roster.
"Chelsea has worked very hard to improve her shooting and has gained valuable experience playing for Algoma this past season. She is very athletic, has great length, runs the floor well, and will give us defence, rebounding and a knack for scoring tough hoops. I look forward to coaching Chelsea this year and to watch her develop and reach her potential."
Beauchamp joins the Thunderwolves after one season at Douglas College (BCCAA) where she was a scholarship athlete. She will study concurrent education in history with a minor in kinesiology.
A six-foot-one forward/post, Beauchamp played at Holy Cross High School in Surrey, B.C. for her father Steve, and led her team to a provincial championship berth during each of her high school seasons, winning in 2005.
Beauchamp captained her team in grade 12 and was named to the Fraser Valley and Catholics first all-star team with 15 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, and three blocks per game. She was also named best defensive player in the Catholic league that year and was an honourable mention as a provincial all-star.
Beauchamp feels that Lakehead is the right fit for her, both on and off the court.
"I wanted to come to Lakehead so I could play at a higher level and challenge myself and to experience life on campus," said Beauchamp. "My aspirations are to teach physical education and coach at the high school level and my program and coaching opportunities at Lakehead will get me one step closer. I have lots to work on but I am excited for the challenge."
Coach Kreiner is pleased to add another strong post player to his team.
"Amy has a great attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to play at the CIS level. She will provide us with needed depth and height at the post and forward positions," said Kreiner. "Amy has very long arms and has the potential to be a great shot blocker, rebounder, and defensive player at the CIS level. I am very happy that Amy has decided to join our Thunderwolves family as she will be a very welcome addition."
Source: Lakehead Thunderwolves
