The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team has been successful in recruiting top international talent despite the harsh winter conditions in Saskatoon. Over the past decade, the team has included European players in their lineup, leading to three national championships.
Head coach Lisa Thomaidis has played a pivotal role in attracting international players due to her experience as Canada’s and Germany’s national head coach, allowing her to establish connections worldwide. The recruitment of Latvian guard Sabine Dukate in 2016 marked a turning point, inspiring the team to seek more international prospects.
This season, the Huskies boast two international players, Swedish forward Olivia Harm and English guard Charli Wroe, both contributing to the team’s success. Harm, in her second year with the Huskies, was recruited by Thomaidis and was drawn to the program’s strong reputation and business offerings.
Bringing international players to Canada is a challenging process, requiring Thomaidis to leverage her network of contacts globally. Wroe, originally from Manchester, chose to move to Canada after spending time in the U.S., citing a preference for the educational quality and program success at the U of S.
The players have noticed significant differences in playing styles between the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing the team-oriented approach in Canada compared to the individual focus in the States. Adjusting to life in Saskatoon has presented cultural challenges for Harm, particularly adapting to the friendly and talkative nature of the locals.
Despite facing weather adjustments and injuries, both players are eager to contribute to the team’s success and aim to defend their national title. With high expectations for the season, the Huskies have started strong, winning their initial games convincingly and setting their sights on upcoming matchups against the Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg.