ACAC Hall of Fame Team Inductee: Lethbridge College Kodiaks Women's Basketball Team
HONOURED TEAM INDUCTEE
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is thrilled to announce the Lethbridge College Kodiaks Women's Basketball team as a 2024 inductee into the ACAC Hall of Fame in the Team category.
Lethbridge Community College's first national championship in basketball came in the 1988-89 season, solidifying their dominance on the court. Led by the towering presence of 6-foot-7 Laurie Hockridge, an All-Canadian and Alberta College Athletic Conference scoring leader, and ACAC All-Star guard Carrie Kuntz, the Kodiaks delivered an outstanding performance with a 14-0 league record and an impressive 35-1 overall record. Under the guidance of Coach John Jasiukiewicz, honored as the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Coach of the Year, the Kodiaks secured their victory by beating the Quebec squad 62-45 in the National Final.
The team's success continued in the 1989-90 season, showcasing a roster that included Barb Babott, Carrie Kuntz, Shelley Kormos, Laura Bethlehem, Lori Mathews, Carmen Knutson, Loretta Hazelaar, Amber Powelson, Trish Murphy, Laurie Hockridge, Sandra Royer, Cindi Gibb, Candice Kliebrink, Tina Bjornsrud, Jaylene Baker, Shanna Howells, Melanie Malchuk, Jenny Neufeld, and Coach John Jasiukiewicz, along with Assistant Coach Kari Tollestrup. Not only did they achieve back-to-back CCAA National championships, but they also garnered individual accolades, including CCAA Coach of the Year in 1988-89, CCAA National Player of the Year, and recognition for two All-Canadians.
The team's exceptional achievements have left an enduring legacy, acknowledged by inductions into both the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame and the Kodiaks Hall of Fame, and now, their well-deserved place in the prestigious ACAC Hall of Fame.
– 30 –
About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, ACAC
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Blacquiere, ACAC
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
403-550-4466
kaylab@acac.ab.ca