Huskies women’s basketball star Libby Epoch excels as a well-rounded student-athlete, with a fourth Canada West title and the Canada West Student-Athlete Community Service award being the latest additions to her long list of accolades. 

Epoch began her basketball journey in grade two, falling in love with the sport after years of watching her older brother play. She naturally gravitated towards a playmaking role and has played point guard her whole life. 

“Ever since I’ve been little… I’ve been a passer first, a scorer second,” Epoch said in an interview with the Sheaf. 

Epoch found great success as the offensive orchestrator at A. E. Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw, winning three straight provincial titles. With numerous offers from Canadian and American post-secondary programs, she ultimately chose the University of Saskatchewan, largely due to renowned head coach Lisa Thomaidis. 

Having spent the past six years playing for Thomaidis, Epoch expressed her gratitude for her coach’s mentorship. 

“She’s been a major role model in my life… She teaches us how to be [both] great players and great women… I’m so thankful I got to learn from her and grow under her as a person.”

Before her first U Sports action, Epoch had already played at the national level, winning silver for the Canadian national team at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Women’s Championship. The tournament also brought to fruition a lasting friendship with teammate Summer Masikewich. 

Epoch and Masikewich are a dynamic duo, with Epoch’s playmaking and Masikewich’s dominance in the paint being a seamless fit. During the 2021-22 regular season, both players’ skill sets were on full display, with Masikewich ranking third in points per game at 17.7 and Epoch ranking fourth in assists per game at 4.4. 

“Our chemistry is just unparalleled on and off the court… Every point guard’s dream is to have the best post [player] in the league on her team and we have that,” Epoch said.

While the two may be strictly business on the court, they have bonded over their collective love for Shirley Temple drinks off the court, conducting reviews on Instagram to remain connected with fans. 

“[It’s] just something silly me and Summer love doing… it’s a fun way to stay in touch with our fans and teammates,” Epoch said. 

Point guards must develop strong chemistry with all teammates in order to have great success, and Epoch describes herself as having a quiet leadership style. 

“I like to lead by example… I always just try to bring that competitive, fun, positive mentality every day that [my teammates] can follow.”

Part of that leadership comes from never shying away from high-pressure situations. Having played a role in four Canada West titles and one national championship, Epoch is no stranger to raised stakes. 

“Every time I step out onto the court, I want to win that game. I’m just staying in the moment and never thinking too far ahead. [I’m] just thinking about the next pass, the next basket, the next [defensive] stop,” Epoch said. 

Off the court, Epoch’s resume is just as impressive. As a multiple-time Academic-All Canadian, Epoch finds it difficult to find a happy medium between athletics and academia but believes that minor setbacks can be the best teachers.

Epoch also believes that her basketball career has been beneficial in working towards her bachelor of science in engineering. She is majoring in civil engineering and plans to work at Graham Construction this summer before becoming a professional engineer upon graduation. 

“A lot of basketball and engineering overlaps in terms of leadership, teamwork and communication. So I’m excited to transfer some of those skills into the professional world,” Epoch said. “I want to … make the community a better place and always try to give back.”

Volunteering is also a focus for Epoch, who has served as the president for the Huskies Athletic Council for the past two years. The council is made up of student-athletes who participate in charitable programs for the community.

Epoch believes that it is important for student-athletes to give back to the community by serving as role models for the youth. 

“It’s just so great to build that bond,” Epoch said. “The community knows that we are always there to support them.”

Building connections with the community pays dividends for the team as they gain further fan support, Epoch noted. 

“One of the most important things I’ve learned as well is [to lean] on people… You always have someone in your corner and [should] just use them as support. You can’t do everything on your own.”

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Uday Chhina | Sports and Health Editor

Photos: As Credited