(L to R) Heidi Smith and Jamie Soffer are two of the newest recruits to Nipissing Lakers Varsity Women's Basketball.
While there are just over two months to go before the Nipissing Lakers women’s basketball team hits the court for their exhibition opener in Year 2 of the program, there hasn’t been any slowing down for the coaching staff.
Led by coach Marg Jones, the Lakers continue to build up a great group of student-athletes, allowing the team to create depth at each position, as well as bring in experience, skill and hard work – not to mention positive attitudes, that will go a long way for a young program.
The Lakers recently added two more athletes to the fold, signing two transfers, Heidi Smith from the University of Saskatchewan and Jamie Soffer, who joins the Lakers from their northern rival, the Laurentian Voyageurs.
Both young ladies, although coming from different backgrounds and parts of the country, share their love of the game and commitment to helping the program head in the right direction.
“I am beyond excited when thinking about returning to the game I love after the past two seasons being sidelined by injuries, and being able to become a part of this young developing program,” Soffer said.
“Both of my parents have always been my biggest supporters, fans and cheerleaders, and cannot wait to see me back on the court this fall.”
Smith was a red-shirt athlete this past season with CIS 4th placed finishers Saskatchewan Huskies. Meaning that while in her first year of university she was able to learn from and compete with some of the best backcourt players in the CIS, she still has full eligibility for the Lakers.
“I am overwhelmed with excitement. This is such a great opportunity for someone like me, being such a young player and coming into a building program like the Lakers and because of this I think Nipissing is the right fit for me,” she explained. “Marg is also a fantastic coach and once I was able to see what she was all about and her attitude toward the game it made my decision that much easier. I am very excited not only to have signed with the Lakers and to be a part of the team, but also to be a part of the great community it comes with.”
Soffer, who is from Kanata, Ontario is entering her fourth year in the physical education program (BPHE) and while the 23-year-old has been nagged by the injury bug, she is making progress in her recovery and should be a big plus for the Lakers.
Smith is 19 years old and will be enrolling in the BPHE program.
The 5-foot-7 point guard who hails from Virden, Manitoba redshirted last season for University of Saskatchewan and gained a lot of experience and knowledge as an observer.
She has an impressive basketball resume and still has a lot of career ahead of her.
She was a Manitoba AAA all star all through high school, 2014 AAA Provincial Champs, 2014 AAA Provincials MVP and player of the year, three-time (2011-2013) Provincial team player and 2013 Canada Games Bronze medalist.
Soffer feels she can be effective by playing her game, which consists of being physical, competitive and using her versatility.
“I think some of the key components of my game are my physicality, competitiveness and knowledge of the game/basketball IQ. I’m not a one-position player, I’m very versatile and am not afraid to mix it up with the bigs, but also can play from the wing,” she explained.
“I like to create for my teammates just as much as I like to take it to the rim myself. One thing I take pride in is my work ethic, on the court during practices and games, and training in the weight room. I am a determined, gritty, passionate player and feel like I will bring a new type of intensity to the team this year.”
Smith shares the competitive nature and refuses to give in or quite, regardless of the situation and she said that should help her and the team be successful this season.
“I would say I try to be the hardest working player on the floor, I am a very competitive person and I hate losing so I would like to think that if we aren't going to win, it’s not going to be because we got outworked,” she said. “Also being a point guard I have to see the whole floor as well as set my team mates up to be successful.”
Both recruits expect big things from the team and while they understand it’s only the second year of the program, strides can and will be made.
Coach Jones said she’s thrilled with adding these two student-athletes and feels they can both step in and contribute to the success of the program both on and off the court.
“Heidi and Jamie bring additional CIS experience and leadership to our program. Both athletes have a tenacious and competitive attitude and will make an immediate impact on the court for us. They have performed exceptionally well in our spring and summer training camps and I look forward to seeing their growth as we head into our late August selection camp,” Jones said.
While it will take a little time to figure out where each athlete fits, Jones has options and that’s going to be a big positive in 2015-16.
“Heidi has been a winner all of her life and demonstrates all of the attributes required of a quality CIS point guard. When U of S and National Team Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis contacted me about Heidi, she had nothing but great things to say about her. As Heidi becomes even more familiar with her new teammates and team systems I believe that she will excel as a Point Guard in the OUA,” Jones explained.
“I’ve had the good fortune of knowing Jamie for a few years. She is that multi-skilled, aggressive player who can play both the three and the four spots for us. Her experience, maturity and leadership both on and off the court will be a huge asset for our young program.
“I am pleased and excited that Heidi and Jamie have chosen Nipissing University and the Lakers Women’s Basketball program to continue their academic and athletic pursuits. I believe that they will have great careers as Lakers,” she continued.
