Wilfrid Laurier University women’s varsity basketball team has just come off of a 10-12 season with a first-round OUA playoff exit. Head Coach Falco finished up recruitment just before the pandemic hit, adding four new players who contribute to both the team and Laurier’s academics.
Joining the Golden Hawks for the 2020-21 season are guard Dylan Mazzuchin of Sudbury, Ont.,wing Maddy White of Bolton, Ont., guard Miranda Campbell of Etobicoke, Ont., and guard Cassidy Hirtle of Sarnia, Ont.
“We have a class that’s pretty passionate about developing their game. I think they are four players who really like to compete,”said Head Coach Falco commented on the recruiting class’s drive.
The incoming recruits have impressive track records that will add depth to the guard positions,especially after losing RachelWoodburn this past season.
Mazzuchin (5-8,) is a combo guard from Lo-Ellen Park Prep, who brings value to the team as a solid two-way player who sees the court extremely well. Last season, she averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest.
White (5-11,) is a mobile wing, from the Caledon Basketball Academy. A capable defender with range, she comfortably guards multiple positions and runs the floor well, White averaged 8.6points per game last season.
Campbell (5-7,) is a guard, who joins the Hawks after playing club basketball with theMississauga Monarchs, while also playing for her high school, Martingrove Collegiate Institute. She is a fast and athletic player who can shoot the three-ball and play with the pace.
The Hawks final recruit is Hirtle (5-7), a guard who possesses the ability to play both point-guard and shooting guard positions which allows her to score both inside and out. She helped Northern CIVS win an OFSAA ‘AAA’ bronze medal this past season by scoring 29 points in a 52-30 win against Richview Collegiate Institute.
“They all have different skills, Hirtle and Mazzuchin both have the ability to play the point guard or shooting guard position. Campbell is more of a pure shooting guard and White is more suited as a wing player to play the 3 or 4 positions.”
Head Coach Falco mentioned their different skills will be a good fit for the purple and gold and will add depth to the team.
“I think they will all be great additions to the team both on and off the court,” Coach Falco commented, as the class will also begin their studies at Laurier this upcoming September.
The recruiting class will be studying a variety of topics during their time at Laurier. Mazzuchin will be focusing on health science, White is enrolled in environmental studies, Campbell is in the BBA program and Hirtle is majoring in economics.
The incoming players have also received high praise from former coaches on their leadership abilities, competitiveness, and adaptiveness.
“We always try to envision who will be our leaders down the road, it will take time and its a tough adjustment to university basketball, but we definitely see this group having leadership capabilities in the next two or three years.”
Coach Falco sees the potential of this recruiting class to take on leadership roles both on and off the court as this season the team will be in a transition period with three 5th years and some 4th years, who will be finishing their careers at Laurier soon.
With files from Mark Cascagnette, Sports Editor.
