It would be entirely possible for the Nipissing Lakers women’s basketball team and head coach Marg Jones to sit back and wait for her team to improve over time.
However, that’s not at all the case as Jones has been extremely hard at work in the off-season, bringing in players from the club level, from college and even some university transfers, taking an aggressive approach to improve the program.
The Lakers latest signings are Taylor-Rae Cote and Rachel Jaworowicz, two players who have post-secondary experience.
Coach Jones said continuing to add strong student-athletes who are not only talented basketball players, but are also character people is the key to establishing a successful program, especially early on.
Jones is thrilled to have these players join the Lakers.
“Taylor Rae and Rachel will add immediate leadership and experience to our roster,” coach Jones said.
“Both young women have had excellent playing careers to date at their respective schools and have experienced success in league play, playoffs and Nationals. They bring with them an expectation of success on the court”.
Cote will join the Lakers after spending three years with the Mount Allison Mounties in the CCAA, a team that was ranked eighth in the country this past season and made an impressive showing at Nationals this past March.
Cote has an impressive basketball resume and is looking forward to the next chapter, as she will join the Lakers.
“I am thrilled to transfer to Nipissing University. I will be closer to family and home. I also look forward to having them support the team and games in person. The opportunity to join a new basketball family is very exciting,” she said. “Knowing Marg Jones previously as a coach excites me with all the possibilities there are for continued growth within myself as an athlete, team player and as a student.”
Cote explained that she is looking to graduate with a major in psychology, eventually turning to the RCMP for a career after completing her degree.
She said one her greatest skills is being able to play several different roles for any team, contributing in a number of different ways, no matter what the situation is.
“I am a versatile player. I’ve had experience playing many different positions, from point guard to small forward. My strongest contribution to a team is my ability to assess the court both on offense and on defensive,” Cote explained.
“I am not afraid to get physical when necessary, especially during rebounding. I strive at putting pressure on the ball as well as using left handed/sided skills. I look forward to optimizing my lockdown defensive skills and strategies.”
Cote said it’s been her goal to play in the CIS and she will have the chance, using up her final two years of eligibility with the Lakers.
The Lakers other transfer is Jaworowicz, who comes from Fanshawe College in the CCAA.
The Midland, Ontario native and point guard will be studying business at Nipissing when school begins next September.
Jaworowicz was named rookie of the year at Fanshawe in her freshman season as the team won a silver medal at the OCAA championships and competed at the national championships.
In her second year with Fanshawe, she was named to the OCAA west all-star team and competed against her soon to be Nipissing teammate Claire Abbot in that game. Rachel is she’s excited to make an impact at the next level.
“Heading into Nipissing I have set high expectations for myself. I plan on playing a big role on the team for the upcoming season as a point guard. My leadership and experience will be very visible on the court,” she explained.
“As for the team, I will contribute by bringing my strong will to compete and help the Lakers win games this year. I want the Lakers to be seen as a threat this year is the CIS. It’s a new year and anything can happen.”
Jawoworicz has the ability to contribute at both ends of the court, playing strong defense at her own end and chipping in offensively, where she uses her speed and vision to both score and set up her teammates.
“My speed is one of my greatest strengths. I am able to push the ball and run the floor well. As a point guard I have great court awareness, I know where each player is. I love to drive and penetrate the ball and kick out to the open shooter or dish down low to the post. I have great ball handling skills, which allows me to separate the defense and take the lane to the basket,” she said of her skills and style of play.
“My shooting range varies and I can hit mid-range and three pointers. My defense is just as strong as my offense and I love to steal the ball and pressure my man. Overall, I am a team player and also very unselfish with the basketball.”
Coach Jones sees both players coming in and contributing right away and likes what they can both bring to the team.
“Rachel and Taylor Rae will contribute immediately on the court in the point guard and small forward positions, both of which are areas where we needed to improve,” added Jones.
“Both are also excellent students and will continue to excel in the class room and on the court at Nipissing. We are couldn't be more pleased that these young women have chosen Lakers Women’s Basketball to continue their athletic and academic careers.”
