The U22 Jr. Wesmen Women’s Basketball team is boarding a plane this morning for a road trip — to Japan.
The team will spend six days in the” Land of the Rising Sun” and will play in four friendly exhibition contests with the FUJITSU Red Wave Women’s Professional Program and a local University in Tokyo.
Former University of Winnipeg Wesmen basketball player Burke Toews currently coaches the Men’s Professional Basketball Program with FUJITSU Red Wave and Assists the Women’s Program in Tokyo, Japan.
Head Coach Tanya McKay connected with Toews to organize a travel team from Winnipeg to participate in friendly competition with the FUJITSU Red Wave Women’s Program. The Women play in the WJBL which is a Professional Basketball league in Japan. Just less than a month ago they won the National Championship of the WJBL
“The girls are very excited to have this opportunity to play against the Red Wave as well a local university team. The Red Wave program is the top Women’s Professional Program in Japan. This experience will be like no other – a once in a life time opportunity. International travel, time change, language and food differences, four early morning practices, four afternoon games – in six days – will be a week to remember”, said McKay.
The Wesmen will practice and play with the Red Wave between August 24-27th at the same time experience the unique culture of Japan.
Roster
Stephanie Kleysen
Megan Noonan
Kerri Kuzbyt
Skylar Boulanger
Robyn Boulanger
Keneca Pinque-Giles
Taylor Thorkelsson
Katie Hasting Van
Paige Hastings Van
Shawn Pallister
Payton Gomes
Head Coach: Tanya McKay
Assistant Coach: Tami Pennell
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Sheldon Appelle
Sports Information Coordinator
University of Winnipeg
(204) 786-9823
s.appelle@uwinnipeg.ca
www.wesmen.ca
