The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team has been successful in recruiting international talent despite Saskatoon not being a typical winter vacation spot. Over the past decade, the team has included European players in their roster, contributing to their three national championships.
Head coach Lisa Thomaidis, with her experience as the national head coach for Canada and Germany, has established a network of contacts worldwide, facilitating the recruitment of international players. The introduction of Latvian guard Sabine Dukate in 2016 marked a turning point in their recruitment strategy, inspiring the team to seek more international talent.
Currently, the top-ranked Huskies feature two international players: Swedish forward Olivia Harm and English guard Charli Wroe. Harm, who hails from Sweden and is in her second year with the team, was recruited by Thomaidis out of high school. She was drawn to the program due to its strong reputation, particularly in business education.
Recruiting international players involves building relationships and scouting talent from various countries, as Thomaidis explains. Wroe, a Manchester native, spent time in the U.S. before joining the Huskies, citing the educational quality, program success, and overall atmosphere at the University of Saskatchewan as key factors in her decision.
The game style in Canada differs from that in the U.S., according to Wroe, who highlights the emphasis on teamwork and technical play. Adjusting to the cultural differences in Saskatoon can be challenging for international players like Harm, who found the local chattiness a stark contrast to her native Stockholm.
Despite facing weather adjustments and initial challenges, both Harm and Wroe are eager to contribute to the team’s success. Thomaidis sees great potential in the players, with Harm’s versatility and shooting skills complementing Wroe’s experience and role as a backup point guard.
Looking ahead, the Huskies aim to defend their national title with dedication and hard work. Harm is focused on recovering from injury and improving her performance, while Wroe is determined to learn from senior players like Gauge Grassick to help the team achieve its goals.
The Huskies have started the season strongly, winning their initial games convincingly. Their upcoming matches against the Manitoba Bisons present an opportunity to maintain their winning streak.