Kalani Thomas is ready to embrace the excitement and challenges which go with competing in college basketball.
This multi-sports athlete who is coming off quite the stellar season with not only the U19 Brantford CYO Girls basketball team but also the McKinnon Park Blue Devils school squad, officially agreed on March 30th to play college girls basketball for Conestoga.
“I am very excited to sign with Conestoga because they are a great team and seem like a close- knit team,” Thomas said. “I chose Conestoga because they are my best offer for school and basketball.”
Thomas was having quite the memorable year with her U19 Brantford team as she played a pivotal role in them winning gold, silver and bronze in three different tournaments. They were cruising in regular season play before things were understandably cut short due to coronavirus crisis.
Meanwhile in her fifth year playing high school girl’s basketball, she was on a McKinnon Park Blue Devils girls senior squad who went undefeated in regular season play.
“My strengths as a player are seeing the floor well and hitting the player in transition as well as my ability to go up strong to the basket.” Thomas said.
In terms of her overall love for basketball she went on to add, “I’ve always loved playing basketball since I was little but I never really got the chance to play at a higher level in Ontario until recently. I can always rely on it (basketball) to help me through stressful times. I also like making new friends and connections with people.”
Moving forward, in terms of what she can work on Thomas was quick to add, “I need to work on being more confident in my shot and my abilities. As well as my first phase of defence. And I am willing to be as best as I can be, because there is always room for improvement.”
Growing up Thomas has always had a passion for competing in other sports as well such as hockey, softball and lacrosse and knew that she wanted to play a sport in college.
Looking ahead, Thomas is extremely excited about representing Conestoga on the basketball court.