UNews - Erin McAleenan

Adams returns to take over women's basketball program

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 22:28:52 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics is excited to announce the return of a familiar face as Dave Adams has been named the new head coach of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball program. Adams becomes the 11th head coach in the program’s history.

Dave Adams returns to Pronghorn Athletics, reviving his long history with Horns basketball.

“Dave brings a real energy to the program,” says Ken McInnes, Interim Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services. “He will provide the stability and community engagement the women’s program needs to succeed. I know everyone is looking forward to having Dave on campus as soon as his obligations are fulfilled with his current employer.”

Adams spent three seasons at the helm of the men’s basketball program from 2009 to 2013 and also served in an interim capacity with the men’s program for the 2001-02 season.

Adams finished his second tenure with the men’s program in 2013, compiling a 46-60 win-loss record, the second best winning percentage of any Pronghorns men’s basketball coach. His teams made three trips to the Canada West playoffs.

He tendered his resignation following the 2013 season after leading the Pronghorns to a 12-win campaign, the most the program had achieved since the 1999-2000 season, accepting a position as Principal/Superintendent for Alruwad International Schools in Muscat, Oman. Adams ultimately returned to southern Alberta a year later.

"It is with great respect and enthusiasm that the stewardship of Pronghorns women's basketball is handed to me from (former) coach Erin McAleenan,” says Adams. “Our program looks forward to working in collaboration with Horns both past and present, the outstanding feeder systems in southern Alberta high schools, the CCAA silver medalists at Lethbridge College, the good people at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the supportive community of southern Alberta.”

Adams began his coaching career at Catholic Central High School immediately following the end of his playing career. In 1984, he took over the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's program and in four seasons, compiled a record of 104-28, including three ACAC medals (one silver and two bronze).

A Lethbridge resident for nearly 40 years, Adams also has extensive experience with provincial and national organizations, coaching with the Alberta Provincial program from 1993-97 and with the Basketball Canada Centre for Performance from 2004 to 2006.

As the head coach of the provincial program, Adams led Team Alberta to a silver medal at the Western Canada Games in 1993. He was also at the helm for silver and bronze medals for Team Alberta at the national championships.

As a player, Adams suited up for 76 games for the Blue and Gold from 1976-81, having his best season during the 1980-81 season when he averaged 11.9 points per game.

McAleenan leaving Horns women's basketball program

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 20:13:05 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's basketball coach Erin McAleenan has resigned from her post after accepting the head coaching position at York ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

McAleenan spent the past three seasons at the helm of the women’s basketball program and compiled a Canada West conference record of 20-44 with her best year coming during her first season, when the Horns narrowly missed the post-season with a 10-12 record.

“I am grateful for the opportunities that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Pronghorn Athletics have given me over the last three years,” says McAleenan. “I appreciate all of the support I have received from the Horns Alumni and the southern Alberta community, but I have been given a great coaching opportunity to move closer to my family that I could not turn down. The Pronghorns program was a great step in my head coaching career, and I wish all of the Horns Family nothing but the best.”

“Despite Erin’s relatively short tenure with the Pronghorns, she has had a very positive impact on both the women’s basketball program and the broader Pronghorn Athletics program,” says Ken McInnes, Interim Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services. “We wish her all the best in her new role."

Prior to taking the helm of the Horns, her first head coaching opportunity at the CIS level, McAleenan was the lead assistant coach for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas from 2009-2012 while she completed her Master of Arts with a specialization in Coaching.

“Everything has happened very quickly and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will begin the search process immediately for an Interim Women’s Basketball Coach,” says McInnes.

Horns bring in Medicine Hat College transfer

trevor.kenney — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:59:01 +0000

Third-year ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's basketball head coach Erin McAleenan continues to add to her 2015-16 recruiting class, announcing the commitment of Medicine Hat product and college transfer, Kennedy Werre to the program for the fall 2015 semester.

Werre played two seasons with the Medicine Hat College Rattlers in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) and will have three years of post-secondary eligibility remaining. Prior to joining the Rattlers, Werre won three provincial silver medals as a player at Medicine Hat McCoy High School.

“Kennedy is a tough competitor and her athleticism will help us in the forward position,” says McAleenan. “She can step in and play right away, and her experience from playing two years for Jason (McLester) at MHC have really helped her develop into a CIS player. We are thrilled to be adding Kennedy to our program and think she will be able to make an impact right away.”

An ACAC South second team all-star last season with the Rattlers, Werre averaged 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and was named the team’s most valuable player. The 5-foot-10 forward averaged 6.1 points per game in her freshman season.

“I chose the U of L because it will challenge me on and off the court, and also in the classroom,” says Werre. “I loved the atmosphere when I got a tour of the school; it’s a whole new level compared to college, and one that I am looking forward to take on.”

The addition of Werre brings the women’s basketball 2015-16 recruiting class to four and McAleenan hopes to further add to this year’s recruiting class before training camp opens in the fall.

Horns women's basketball adds recruit

trevor.kenney — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:31:43 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball team has announced a third addition to the 2015-16 recruiting class with the signing of southern Alberta multi-sport standout Danielle Fritzke.

Fritzke, a five-foot-10 inch guard, spent the last year at Mount Royal ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as a member of the volleyball team but has chosen to return to basketball were she was a standout for the Monsignor McCoy High School in Medicina Hat.

“I enjoyed playing a year of volleyball at the CIS level, but I love the constant excitement, battle, and physical play of basketball,” says Fritzke. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to play for the Pronghorns. The team has been very welcoming, and I think our future looks bright. The Horns fans are always so loud and passionate and that makes me even more excited to play in our home gym because of the great atmosphere; I am excited for the fall and future.”

While at Monsignor McCoy, Fritzke won three 3A Provincial silver medals and Southeast Alberta Basketball Conference (SEBC) league titles and was named the SEBC MVP in 2014. She was also a SEBC all-star in 2013 and 2014.

During her high school career, Fritzke also excelled in both volleyball and soccer, winning a volleyball provincial medal in 2013 and a silver medal in 2011.

Individually, Fritzke was named the Monsignor female athlete of the year in 2014, while also earning the schools MVP award in both basketball and volleyball.

“Dani is an elite level athlete and I am thrilled to add her to the Horns program,” says Horns head coach Erin McAleenan. “I think the intangibles that Dani brings are the most promising for our program’s future.”

“Dani is a hard-working and committed student-athlete who has had a lot of experience and success leading her team, and I believe that she has what it takes to play at the CIS level. Her length, athleticism, and toughness will be a big help in our fight to be a top-four team in Canada West.”

In addition to her prowess on the court and field, Fritzke has also excelled in the classroom, being an honour roll student in grades 10, 11 and 12 and earning the gold cord in grade 12 for an 80 per cent or above average. She has also earned the Canada Winter Games Scholarship, Alberta Catholic Teachers’ Scholarship and Rutherford Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

Horns' Veldman captures national award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 16:57:51 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduating forward Kim Veldman became only the second member of the Pronghorns women's basketball program to win a CIS major award after she was named the 2015 recipient of the Sylvia Sweeney Award at the CIS National Championship awards ceremony on Wednesday night.

Fifth-year forward Kim Veldman has been recognized by the CIS for leadership, academic achievement and community involvement.

The Sylvia Sweeney Award recognizes excellence in basketball, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and community service. Veldman, a fifth-year forward, has been a leader on and off the floor for the Pronghorns and will go down as one of the best players and student-athletes to ever come through the program.

On the floor, Veldman was the conference's second leading scorer this season, averaging 18.6 points per game. She leaves the Pronghorns as the school's all-time leading rebounder and second leading scorer with 805 boards and 1,391 points over the course of her five campaigns with the team. She was named a Canada West first-team all-star in this, her final season.

While excelling on the court, she also shone in the classroom, earning her Bachelor of Nursing degree in four years, while being named an Academic All-Canadian every year. She will be well on her way to a fifth AAC award while beginning her Master of Nursing program.

"As a humble and even-keel player, Kim has had to work hard to develop her leadership skills," says Pronghorns head coach Erin McAleenan. "Over the last three years of working with her, she has grown immensely not only as a player, but as a person. She has become a confident leader both on and off the floor, and she inspires her teammates on a daily basis. Kim has changed the culture of our program and has had a tremendous impact on the players, coaches and community."

Veldman has been heavily involved in community service as well. She has volunteered as a coach within the Jr Horns basketball program and worked at skills clinics and summer camps; participates in the Reading Buddies program; volunteers one day a week in an elementary classroom and twice a week to lead their co-ed basketball intramural program; volunteered with the Special Olympics where she taught the participants basketball skills and drills; and is active within her church as part of the Trinity Reform Church youth group.

Acadia guard Aprille Deus, Laval wing Raphaëlle Côté and Wilfrid Laurier guard Lee Anna Osei were also nominated for the award.

Veldman joins former Horns head coach Louisa Zerbe, who received the Peter Ennis Award as coach of the year in 1985, as the only other CIS major award winner in program history.

New Horns recruit has historical ties to program

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 20:53:13 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn women’s basketball program announced the signing of its second recruit for the 2015-16 season with the commitment of local all-star Katie Keith.

Keith, a 6’0 guard, has starred for Chinook High School for the past three years and will become a third generation Pronghorn. Her mother, Dawn, played for the Pronghorns from 1984 to 1986 and her grandfather, R.A. Fry, was the head coach for the men’s program during the team’s first season in 1969-70 and a three-year stretch from 1973 to 1976.

“Katie is an integral recruit for us, her athleticism and length will enable us to be much more competitive with the top teams in Canada West,” says Pronghorns head coach Erin McAleenan.

The Chinook High School product has had a solid start to her senior season, averaging 19.3 points per game through her first six games.

During her grade 10 and 11 seasons with Chinook, she was part of two 4A Zone winning teams and last year the Coyotes finished second at Provincials. She was also named a Southern Alberta High School Basketball League (SAHSBL) first team all-star last year, while averaging 12.6 points per game for the Coyotes.

“Katie’s court sense and ability to lead a team became very clear last spring on our U17 PEBL Jr Horns team,” says McAleenan.

Keith was a member of the U17 Alberta Provincial team that finished third at Nationals in 2014 and played for McAleenan on the first U17 PEBL Jr Horns team last spring, starting every game.

“She was consistently a leader for our team and I knew that we needed to have her to take our team to the next level.”

Horns already add recruit to fold

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 17:22:07 +0000

Heading into the final stretch of the 2014-15 Canada West season, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball program has taken a moment to look to the future, announcing the program's first commitment for the 2015-16 season - southern Alberta product Teesha Olson.

“Teesha is a key piece of the puzzle for our program as a long, athletic guard that can slash to the rim and shoot the three,” says McAleenan. “Her work ethic, determination, and commitment will be integral for our program as we strive for excellence both on and off the court.”

A Magrath native, Olson has been named a Southern Alberta High School Basketball League (SAHSBL) second team all-star in both her grade 10 and 11 seasons and was top five in league scoring during both seasons.

The five-foot-nine inch guard averaged 16 points per game in grade 10, 15.4 points per game in grade 11 and through four league games this season she is leading the SAHSBL in scoring, averaging 21 points per contest.

In addition to her prowess on the basketball court, Olson has also excelled on the track. Last year, she was the female track MVP for Magrath High School, qualifying for zones in long jump and triple jump, and qualifying for provincials in triple jump.

Demonstrating a balance of being an exceptional student-athlete in high school, Olson has achieved honour roll status in both grade 10 and 11 and received the top overall academic achievement at Magrath High School in her grade each year.

McAleenan had the opportunity to become familiar with Olson when she coached her last spring with the Jr. Horns U17 PEBL team.

“We had the opportunity to see Teesha’s coachability and work ethic on our U17 PEBL Jr Horns team last spring, and that sealed the deal that we needed to have her in our program,” says McAleenan. “I am thrilled to sign such an elite level and well-rounded student-athlete like Teesha.”

Horns add height with latest commitment

trevor.kenney — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:18:24 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball team has added some height to its lineup with the commitment of forward Connie Harris from Markham, Ontario.

With Canada West second team all-star Kim Veldman entering her final year with the program and the Pronghorns fielding one of the smallest teams in Canada West last season, a priority on height was paramount this off season.

After adding six-foot post Kylie Mazutinec earlier this spring, the addition of six-foot-two Harris will give the Horns another option in the forward positions.

“I am honoured that Connie has chosen to move away from home to start the next chapter in her life, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our Horns family,” says Horns head coach Erin McAleenan. “Connie is an extremely hard working and determined young lady. She is a long 6’2” forward who will add a lot for us immediately at the defensive end.”

Playing elite Ontario club basketball in the JUEL club basketball league the past two years with the North Toronto Huskies, Harris is averaging eight points and five rebounds per game. Soon to be a graduate from Augustin Catholic High School, Harris also put up impressive numbers in grade 11 in the high school league, averaging a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds per game.

“Connie just started playing basketball in grade 9, and her experience in the JUEL league for the last two years will undoubtedly help her transition to the CIS level and I know that Connie is a big piece to our future success. Knowing that she will get to learn from Canada West All-Star Kim Veldman for a year is fantastic.”

The ‘Horns will open camp August 25th and look for the 2014-15 Canada West schedule to be released in the coming weeks.

McAleenan adds pair of recruits to roster

trevor.kenney — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 21:22:52 +0000

Only two weeks removed from her second season at the helm of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball team, head coach Erin McAleenan is pleased to announce her first commitments for the 2014-15 Canada West season.

Joining the Horns program next season will be southern Alberta product Kylie Mazutinec and Calgary native Elizabeth Buie.

Mazutinec, a 6’0” forward from Stirling, Alta., will join the Horns in the fall following a stellar high school career. This season, she has averaged 17 points and 16 rebounds per game, leading her team to a perfect 10-0 record in the Deep South high school basketball league.

With senior forward Kim Veldman and freshman Mariah Miller the only Pronghorns to stand 5’11'' or taller, Mazutinec is a much needed addition to the Horns front court. During her grade 11 season, Mazutinec was named a Deep South first team all-star and led her team to 1A zone and provincial championships.

Twice named her school’s female athlete of the year (2013, 2012), Mazutinec has also excelled in the classroom, reaching the honour roll each year.

“We are thrilled to be adding Kylie to our program. She is a very hard working and coachable athlete who has the skills to succeed at the CIS level,” says McAleenan. “Her ability to rebound the basketball and her footwork inside will add more depth at the forward position. Kylie has had a lot of success with Stirling and we are all very excited that she has chosen to join the Horns family for her post-secondary career.”

Buie, a multi-sport athlete, comes to the Pronghorns from Ernest Manning High School in Calgary. In addition to representing her school in basketball, she has also competed in cross country, field hockey, track and field - competing in javelin and the 100m relay - and badminton.

Through seven games this season, her team sits in the middle of the North Division standings with a 4-3 record. In her grade 11 season, Buie was named the girls basketball MVP at Ernest Manning.

Also an exceptional student, Buie is an honour roll student and has earned leadership awards in Chemistry 20-1, Math 20-1, and a Citizenship award in Social Studies 20-1. She plans to pursue a medical degree following her undergraduate degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

“Elizabeth is a very well-rounded student-athlete and we are thrilled to have someone of her character join our program," says McAleenan. “She is a relentless on-ball defender and her leadership skills on and off the court made her a must-have for our program.”

Horns basketball opens Canada West campaign

trevor.kenney — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:41:48 +0000

The Mike Hansen era begins this weekend for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's basketball program.

The ‘Horns will open the 2013-14 conference schedule on the road against the Fraser Valley Cascades and Trinity Western Spartans.

Tip-offs for the weekend are set at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night respectively, with both games streamed online at http://canadawest.tv.

In addition to the leadership change, the roster received a complete overhaul with only five players from last season’s roster returning. A quartet of guards and reserve post remain with the program and will be led by seniors Morgan Duce, Logan Reiter and Alex Fletcher.

Reiter and Duce both averaged double digit points per game last season and will be counted on heavily to increase their scoring totals after the departure of the top two scorers from last season in Derek Waldner and Julian Spear Chief-Morris.

Among the nine newcomers to the program, Australian Brandon Brine, as well as ACAC all-stars Rob Olsen and Jared Baker, are expected to make a significant impact in their first season with the program. Post Brent Watkins could be a wildcard contributor for the Horns after transferring from Citrus College in California. Watkins, who did not play high school basketball, comes to the Horns with raw talent and will be relied on to be a presence in the paint. In his second season with Citrus last year, Watkins averaged 9.2 points and 7 rebounds per game while hitting nearly 75% of his shots from the field.

For a full weekend preview, visit gohorns.ca.

Pronghorn Women

Despite missing the playoffs for the third season in a row, there were a lot of positives to take away from the 2012-13 season.

In her first season at the helm of the Pronghorns women’s basketball program, Erin McAleenan led the Horns to their first double digit win total since the 1994-95 season, but a duplication of the 2012-13 season will be a tough task for the Pronghorns in the always tough Canada West conference.

The Horns will open the 2013-14 conference schedule this weekend on the road traveling to British Columbia to face the Fraser Valley Cascades and Trinity Western Spartans.

Gone from last season are post Erin Skippon, forward Steph Inman and utility guard Kara Henry. While Skippon was only with the program for one season, her leadership and post presence will be dearly missed.

While the voids left will be hard to fill, the Pronghorns return their top two scorers from last season in Ali Cameron and post Kim Veldman. Cameron, a pure scorer, returns for her fourth season and will look to build off her career best 15 points per game average last season.

Veldman, who averaged nearly a double-double last season, will be leaned on heavily at both ends of the floor, while senior guard Katlyn Olsen will also be counted on to help lead the young squad. With six true freshmen cracking the Pronghorns roster, there will be some growing pains along the way.

Southern Alberta product Mariah Miller has had a nice start to her collegiate career, recording a double-double in only her third preseason game.

Guards Erin James, Sara Simovic and Kendra Lee will all see significant time as freshmen and will need to make significant contributions if the Horns are going to duplicate last season’s record.

Tip-off for Friday’s game versus the Cascades is set for 6 p.m. PST, while Saturday’s game versus the Spartans will go at 5 p.m.. Both games will be streamed live on http://canadawest.tv

For more, visit gohorns.ca.

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