UBC Women's Basketball Newsletter, November 2016

A busy U Sports (formerly CIS) exhibition schedule came to a close...
November 17, 2016

Note from Head Coach Deb Huband

A busy U Sports (formerly CIS) exhibition schedule came to a close at the end of October and the ‘Birds compiled a four win, three loss record with wins against Calgary, Fraser Valley, Ottawa and Western and losses to Cape Breton, Regina and Windsor. The Thunderbirds opened Canada West league play with a trip up the Coquihalla to take on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack. With the restructure of the Canada West league format from the Pioneer and Explorer divisions to a one-division format, it was the first time in three years that the two teams went head to head in league action. On Friday, the ‘Birds had a sluggish start but after a third quarter surge where the ‘Birds held the Wolfpack to just five points, the team cruised on to a dominant 72-46 win. In game two, the T-Birds earned a 32-15 advantage at half and went on to win 58-38. The Thunderbirds got off to a strong start in the Canada West season notching a perfect 2-0 record and remain one of only three Canada West teams to be undefeated in conference. This past weekend the ‘Birds had a bye and a chance to recharge after competing three consecutive weekends on the road.

The next action will be our home-opener weekend this Friday November 18th and Saturday November 19th against the Manitoba Bisons. We look forward to getting back on the court and in defending our home court advantage. Manitoba is a youthful team that utilizes a smaller line-up to attack with speed offensively to create one on one match-ups and multiple 3-point shot attempts. The ‘Birds will have to be ready to defend quickness and work to limit dribble penetration and 3-point attempts. We will need to capitalize on our size advantage through effective rebounding and establishing an inside game. We will be looking for improved team play in the execution of our systems offensively and defensively. With our youthful team, we expect to see growth from week to week in individual and team play. It is an exciting time for the young ‘Birds!

Another upcoming event is Thunderstruck, a women’s only battle against our long-time rival the Victoria Vikes slated for November 26th at 5 pm. This is the first annual women’s festival event and we would like to invite you to be a part of it. Thunderstruck will be a feature event with enhanced entertainment, food options, activities and give-aways. Other such events have included Homecoming and the Winter Classic and we are thrilled that UBC Athletics has chosen a women’s-only varsity event to feature and promote campus wide. We have also designated this event as our annual Alumni & Donors Recognition Night. Come cheer on our UBC Thunderbirds and then stick around on the floor for an exclusive reception with me and the team.

Sunday November 20th marks the first Mom and Me Night hosted by UBC Women’s Basketball. The event will provide an evening of fun, learning and inspiration as we talk about the importance and value of women in sport. Hear from three accomplished woman and the impact that sports has made on their lives, and the role that strong female mentors can play in the development of confidence and leadership. We are thrilled to offer this event to the community. See below for more information.

We hope to see you for tip-off at 6 pm Friday at War Memorial!

Go Thunderbirds!!

Deb

Upcoming Schedule

Fri-Sat, November 18-19 vs. Manitoba: 6:00pm / 5:00pm -- Canada West Home Opener Weekend

Sat, November 26 vs. Victoria: 5:00pm -- Thunderstruck Event and Alumni/Donor Appreciation

Fri-Sat, December 2-3 vs. UBC Okanagan: 6:00pm/5:00 pm

The Latest Edition of the Hoop Scoop is hot off the press

Join us as we recap the pre-season and look ahead to upcoming events and stories in 2016-17!

Please download a PDF copy at this link: http://gothunderbirds.ca/custompages/PDFs/WBB-HoopScoop/HOOP-SCOOP_PRE_SEASON-2016-17.pdf 

UBC Basketball presents Mom and Me Night

UBC Women’s Basketball is looking forward to an evening of learning, inspiration and laughter as we host our first ‘Mom and Me’ Night on November 20th. The event will focus on the importance of sport in the lives of girls and women to develop confidence and leadership. We have a tremendous line-up of feature speakers, and are looking forward to an exciting night.

Feature speakers include UBC Head Coach, former CIS and National Team player and 2-time Olympian Deb Huband; SFU Senior Athletic Director, former NAIA player and mom Theresa Hanson; and owner of Vancouver-based Prime Fitness, former CIS, professional and National Team player and mom Sheila Townsend.

When: Sunday, November 20th, 4-6 pm

Where: Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre, 2765 Wesbrook Mall, UBC Campus

To RSVP or for more information please contact Assistant Coach Carrie Watts (carrie.watts@ubc.ca, 604-822-8172)

UBC Thunderbirds 2017 ZLC Millennium Scholarship scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Professor Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Mr. Gilles Lépine, Senior Athletics Director, invite you to the UBC Thunderbirds 2017 ZLC Millennium Scholarship Breakfast dedicated to raising funds for student athlete scholarships and awards. This year, as in the past, the University has committed to match your donations dollar for dollar. This matching creates a powerful fundraising opportunity for varsity teams; more importantly, your support better enables student athletes to complete their degree while competing at one of the top varsity programs in the country. We encourage you, as a dedicated supporter of the UBC Thunderbirds, to join us Tuesday, February 28, 2017 and help build a bright future for our student athletes.

Introducing our 2017 keynote speaker: Dr. John Furlong, LLD'10

Dr. John Furlong, LLD'10 is well known as a true champion for amateur sport and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. His account of leading the 2010 Games and the challenges and opportunities he has faced before and since are both deeply personal and characteristically frank. Through masterful storytelling, he inspires leaders to develop a more humble, human, raw and emotional approach to leadership.

His commitment to sport in Canada continued post-Games with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC soccer team and as the volunteer Chairman of Canada's highly successful Own the Podium program. Most recently he chaired Vancouver's successful bid to host the World Rugby Sevens series starting in 2016 and leads now the Board of Directors for this exciting new annual international rugby tournament.

Time: 7:00 am to 9:00 am

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre – East

Early Bird Ticket Price: $2000 table / $200 seat

Sixth Woman Monthly Giving Club

The Sixth Woman Basketball Monthly Giving Club is an avenue for alumni and friends to be part of the UBC Thunderbirds Women’s Basketball team. The structure of monthly giving offers an avenue for financially supporting the team in an affordable way. You can join the Club for as little as $5 per month which makes it affordable to most and costs as little as one vanilla latte per month!

The cumulative effect of monthly giving has a substantial impact on the resources that we can provide for our student-athletes and the quality of their university experience at UBC.

All funds raised benefit the Women’s Basketball program directly, providing support for international and exhibition travel, meal money allowance, equipment, athletic scholarships and athlete services (physiotherapy, access to sports psychology, strength and conditioning). With your contribution we can continue our commitment to excellence on the court, in the classroom and in the community.

The UBC Women’s Basketball program is one of the most storied and successful programs in Canada. The program is defined by basketball excellence (National Champions 2008, 2006, 2004, 1974, 1973, 1972) and the quality and character of its graduates. Please visit here for more information and online donation. 

Go 'Birds!