Saskatoon may not be a top winter vacation destination, but that hasn’t hindered the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team from attracting top international talent. Over the past ten years, the Huskies have infused their lineup with European players, leading to three national championship victories.
Head coach Lisa Thomaidis has played a significant role in recruiting international players for the Huskies, drawing on her experience as the national head coach for both Canada and Germany to establish connections worldwide. The recruitment of Latvian guard Sabine Dukate in 2016 was a pivotal moment that inspired the team to pursue more international talent.
This season, the Huskies, ranked No. 1, feature two international players – Swedish forward Olivia Harm and English guard Charli Wroe. Harm, now in her second year with the team, highlighted the trend of Swedish players seeking opportunities in the United States before joining the Huskies.
Thomaidis emphasized the challenges of bringing international players to Canada, citing her extensive network built over years of coaching on the international stage. Wroe, hailing from Manchester, opted to move to Canada from the U.S. due to political and societal differences, finding a sense of belonging at the University of Saskatchewan.
The distinctive team dynamics of the Huskies have also impacted the playing style, with Wroe noting a shift from individual-focused play in the U.S. to a more cohesive and strategic approach in Canada. Adjusting to life in Saskatoon presented cultural differences for Harm, who found the locals’ talkative nature to be a pleasant surprise.
As the Huskies gear up for another season, Harm, recovering from a foot injury, reflected on her growth within the team, while Wroe expressed apprehension about her first Saskatchewan winter. Thomaidis expressed optimism about the players’ contributions to the team’s success, as they aim to defend their national title.
With a strong start to the season, the Huskies have dominated their initial games and are set to face the Manitoba Bisons in their upcoming matches.