CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women's basketball team are excited to announce the signing of Courtney Donaldson.
 
The Kelowna, B.C. native has a number of accolades under her belt including being named MVP at Senior Valleys in 2015, a first-team All-Star at the same tournament in 2016, and a Defensive Player of the Tournament Award in grade nine to mention a few. Donaldson was also the captain of the U16 provincial team and the U17 Bluestar club team.
 
Head Coach Damian Jennings is excited to see Donaldson grow as a Dinos when she joins the team for the 2017-18 season.
 
"Courtney was an instant hit with the team," said head coach Damian Jennings. "She has an infectious character that I know is going to provide inspiring leadership in time to come. As a tenacious combo guard, Courtney is a perfect fit for the Dinos up-tempo offense and disruptive style of play. Although U Sports is a significant jump from high school basketball, I do believe Courtney is going to become a player all Dinos fans will want to come watch and enjoy."
 
Donaldson felt instantly connected to the team when meeting with the coaches and players, and it was a match made in heaven.
 
"One of the biggest reasons I've chosen to become a Dino is their coaching staff and team," said Donaldson. "I've never met a friendlier group of girls and a more organized coaching staff. I love the coaching philosophy that Damian puts forth about hard defence and sharing the ball and I feel I truly connected with the team and coaches."
 
Donaldson trains with and plays for Bluestar, an AAU club based out of Vancouver's AthElite Basketball Academy. Cofounder and Director Aman Heran, a former Dino himself who played under men's basketball coach Dan Vanhooren, runs the academy where Davidson developed as a player. Heran played two years at the University of Calgary where he was co-captain and part of the Dinos' 2004 Canada West championship win. He also helped the Dinos reach the U Sports national semi-final that same year. Donaldson was developed by Heran, but also Sarah McKay who is the Head Coach for Female Player Development at the club. She had this to say of the Dinos' newest recruit.
 
"Courtney brings enough energy to get the whole team fired up. She raises the bar defensively and sets the highest standard of intensity and competitiveness. She is an incredible teammate and one of the most coachable kids I have had the pleasure of working with. We are so proud of her and the decision to play at Calgary."

The newest Dino to sign can't wait to get started as she embarks on her U Sports career with the University of Calgary.

"I'm really looking forward to the faster pace of university basketball and competing at a higher level," said Donaldson. "The team has some very experienced guards that I'm really looking forward to learn from and play against! I'm also really excited to get to know all the girls better and just become part of the team!"
 
The Dinos women's basketball team will return from the break to take on the Alberta Pandas in a home-and-home series, Jan. 6-7.