A mix of veteran leadership and rookie enthusiasm aptly describe the 2009-10 version of the Gaels womenÕs basketball team. Third year guard Brittany Moore of Hannon, Ont., returns to captain the team, having captured a first-team OUA East All-Star selection last season and team MVP. Fourth year wing player Maddie Soye of Kitchener, Ont., will share the captaincy as her skills and confidence continue to grow. A summer in the gym teaching youngsters has really added to Maddie's presence on the court. Fifth year transfer Katie Guthrie of Kingston, Ont., who played four years at Guelph rounds out the trio of team captains. Katie brings a level of energy and intensity that is infectious to the entire team.

Fourth year post player Erin Skippon of Kelowna, B.C., has demonstrated her ability to dominate the paint, as evidenced late last season. Off to a great start this fall, she will be a force in the OUA East. Another fourth year post player, Jill Wheat of Marwayne, Alta., is starting her second season with the Gaels after two successful years with Red Deer College in Alberta. A tough competitor with a great knack for offensive rebounding, Jill will continue to provide strength to the front line.

Third year wing player Christine Wallace of North Gower, Ont., has had a great start to the year after being plagued with injuries last season. Her ability to run the wing in transition and drop a 3-pointer make her exciting to watch. Richelle Gaudet of Kingston, Ont., returns for her second season at the wing position. With a year under her belt and great athleticism, she is looking to make an impact this season.

A solid core of rookies rounds out this year's roster. Hanna Koposhynska of Brampton, Ont., will make her presence felt as a 6'2 post player, while 5'6 guard Paige Robinson of Calgary, Alta., will quicken the pace of the game at point guard. Monika Szpytko of Mississauga, Ont., will add some more size up front with her 6'1 frame, while Emma Glasgow of Orillia, Ont., adds more ball handling skills in the back court. Sydney Kernahan of Calgary, Alta., completes the line up as an undersized, but very tough and competitive post player.

"No question that with six new faces in the line-up, five outright rookies, it will take some time for this group to come together as a functioning unit," comments Wilson. "But their competitiveness in practice every day will help our progress immensely."

Lastly, a couple of faces are noticeably absent from the lineup this season. Alaina Porter, now a third year Commerce student, is not in the line-up this year as she will be on an academic exchange program to Hong Kong for half the year. While the team will miss her on the basketball court this season, it is an opportunity that cannot be passed up.

Tim Orpin, after 23 years on the bench, will be taking a sabbatical this year. Some exciting changes are taking place in his life at this point that requires a little more of his time, including leaving KCVI as a high school guidance counsellor to move into the Limestone District Board Office. It certainly will be a big adjustment for Coach Wilson, having relied on Tim for the past 23 years for his extensive knowledge, passion and dedication to the program. Tim has assured Wilson that Coach Adam Lynn, now heading into his 6th season with the program, will assume the role as first assistant admirably.