On March 20, Canada Basketball named its 12-player roster for the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Gold Coast, Australia. Included on the roster is Huskies’ star Summer Masikewich, who has shown us her potential over the two years she’s been on the team.

After a great season with the Huskies, Masikewich is headed abroad to compete.

The 6-2 forward was dominant in 2017-18, averaging 16.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. She was a key figure on the team all year long, and in turn, she will be rewarded with an opportunity to expand her basketball resume.

Masikewich, who hails from Calgary, Alta., is already very familiar with the world stage. She was a member of Team Canada at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Americas U18 Women’s Championship in 2016 as well as the U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup this past summer in Italy, and she finished on the podium at both tournaments.

Masikewich believes her previous experiences donning red and white will be beneficial as she prepares for another go-round on a national team.

“Every time that I have had the opportunity to play for Team Canada, I have learned so much,” Masikewich said, via text message. “This unique experience has helped me to grow on and off the court. In playing last summer, I feel like I have grown and have a better understanding of what basketball on the world stage looks and feels like.”

Despite her familiarity with playing basketball at the national level, the opportunity is still exciting for Masikewich, who is looking forward to ditching the snow of Saskatoon for the sun and sand Down Under.

“Representing Canada is an honour, especially at the Commonwealth Games! The games come around every four years, so going to Australia for them is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am so grateful for,” Masikewich said.

Canada’s roster is made up of a wealth of talented players, and Masikewich is honored to be included on the team.

“This team is filled with lots of talented players, and to be considered one of those talented players is a privilege. The past couple of years have been filled with lots of hard work, and it’s really special to know that my hard work has paid off,” Masikewich said.

Although one of 12 women representing Canada, Masikewich is the lone representative from the Huskies program and acknowledges that she wouldn’t have this opportunity if it were not for the University of Saskatchewan.

“I would like to thank my amazing teammates and coaches here at the U of S. I would not be where I am today as a player and as a person without them,” Masikewich said.

Masikewich will begin her chase to win her third medal on the world stage on April 6 when she and the rest of Team Canada will kick off their tournament by taking on England.

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Matthew Johnson

Photo supplied by GetMyPhoto.ca