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Janelle Bekkering Makes Canadian Women's National Team
June 5, 2009
TORONTO – Gonzaga University women’s basketball sophomore Janelle Bekkering has been named to the 2009 Canadian Senior Women’s National Team (SWNT); making her the first Bulldog to make the Canadian National squad. Bekkering, of Taber, Alberta, was one of 16 players vying for a spot on the squad. “I am so excited for this summer, and to finally get back into the program,” said Bekkering just hours after finding out she was one of 12 players to make the team. “It’s been about three years since I’ve played Canada basketball and to get back into it and make the Senior Team is very exciting. I feel so privileged to get the chance to play for and represent my country. I’m just looking forward to a great summer of learning from experienced international players, and coaches.” Bekkering previously was invited to try out for the 2006 Senior Women’s National Team the summer before her freshman season at Gonzaga but a knee injury kept her from the tryouts. “We are extremely happy for Janelle,” said Bulldog head coach Kelly Graves. “We know what Team Canada means to her. She will get great international experience and will build such confidence throughout this. It’s also great for our program to have that caliber of player on our team.” Canada’s Senior Women are slated to travel to China June 6-14 to compete in a three-game exhibition series. The team will return to Canada for a second phase of training, followed by a visit to Cuba in August for three further exhibition games, with a final two-game tune-up in September against Brazil. The season will culminate with the eight team FIBA Americas Championships for Women in Brazil. A top three finish at this year’s qualifying tournament will be good enough to clinch a place in the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Czech Republic.
Canada’s 2009 SWNT is led by Mission, B.C. point guard Teresa Gabriele. A member of Canada’s 2000 Sydney Olympic team, Gabriele will be entering her 13th season representing Canada with more than 120 games of international experience. Gabriele is joined by fellow veteran forwards Kim Smith of Mission, B.C., and Chelsea Aubry, from Kitchener, Ont. Siblings Tamara and Alisha Tatham of Brampton, Ont., were also selected to the 2009 team. This marks the third consecutive year on the squad for the elder sibling Tamara, and the second for Alisha. “I am as excited about this summer as I have ever been,” said SWNT head coach Allison McNeill. “It’s great to have some of our veterans back as we have three challenging training phases building toward the FIBA qualifier this summer. Our goal this year is to be a team that moves the ball quickly, pass the ball quickly and are tough defensively.” Below is a full roster and schedule for the 2009 Canadian Senior Women’s National Team. 2009 Canadian Senior Women’s National Team Senior Women’s Team Head Coach: Allison McNeill EVENT DATES OPPONENTS LOCATION
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