The Kodiaks women’s basketball team finally had the chance to commemorate their national championship win and share it with the entire college last week.

Centre core was in a celebratory mood as the women shared their gold medals with the students and staff at Lethbridge College on March 28.

The team delivered an undefeated season, bringing home the biggest trophy in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association – some people don’t know how big of a deal that is for the college.

“We’ve had athletics since 1967 and there are 12 total national championship banners. That’s a long time to go, but it also shows just the inherent winning attitudes that we get when we’re looking at recruits. We’re all Kodiaks,” said Todd Caughlin, Athletic Manger at the college.

Kodiaks players were grateful that so many people came together to help celebrate their accomplishment.

“It definitely made it a little more real, because after winning, it didn’t settle in yet. This was neat having everyone come out and support us,” said Amy Arbon, Kodiaks guard.

One of the big themes of the event was that it was not only a national title for the team, but for the college.

Head coach Brad Karren as well as players Shantaya Strebel and Logan Moncks, all spoke about the season, expressing how much support from the entire college meant to them.

“I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who supported us and that goes throughout the entire college. That’s why we win, because we have that support,” said Karren.

The season may be over, but the players say they’ll remember this year for the rest of their lives.
“It’s definitely surreal! It’s awesome having teammates who you get to see every day and get to associate with also getting to play the game you love and you grew up playing,” said Arbon.

All Kodiak athletic teams are now in off-season mode, but the athletic department doesn’t get much rest.

Caughlin says his focus now shifts to getting ready for the 2017-2018 season by ordering jerseys and setting rosters for another year of Kodiak action.