A high school basketball player from Prince Edward Island is set to elevate her game and advance her athletic career as she prepares to attend university next year. Alex Newson has recently committed to studying at the State University of New York at Albany, where she will be a member of the Albany Great Danes basketball team.
Newson is poised to make history as the first basketball player from Prince Edward Island to compete in NCAA Division I basketball. Expressing her excitement, she hopes to serve as an inspiration, particularly to young female basketball players in the province.
Having started playing basketball at the age of five, Newson’s dedication to the sport led her to make a significant move to Ontario before her 11th-grade year to join King’s Christian Collegiate. This decision provided her with the opportunity to play in a top-tier league year-round against elite Division I and national team players.
Following her move and integration into her new team in Ontario, Newson realized her potential to reach higher levels in her basketball career. Encouraged by her experiences and growth, she set her sights on playing NCAA Division I basketball, turning her dream into a tangible goal.
Earlier this year, Newson proudly represented Team Prince Edward Island as the province’s flag bearer at the Canada Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where she showcased her skills as a member of the P.E.I. basketball team. This journey was especially meaningful as she shared the experience with her father, a former Canada Games athlete and her team’s coach.
Acknowledging the unwavering support of her parents, Newson credited their encouragement and guidance for her achievements. Grateful for their involvement, she highlighted her mother’s instrumental role in selecting Albany as the ideal fit for her academic and athletic pursuits.
Looking ahead, Newson eagerly anticipates beginning her studies in biology at the University at Albany next fall while preparing to kick off her basketball training. She views her commitment to the university as a significant milestone, recognizing the rarity of the opportunity to play NCAA basketball, especially as a Canadian athlete.
With aspirations to excel on the court and contribute to her team’s success, Newson aims to make a positive impact as a freshman while honing her skills. While she remains open to various possibilities for her basketball career, including the potential to play professionally, she is focused on completing her final year of high school before transitioning to the University at Albany for intensive basketball training the following summer.