THUNDER BAY, ON – Lakehead University Athletics and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jon Kreiner are very happy to announce two local recruits for the 2013-14 season. Point guard Cassandra Soulias and forward Katelyn Andrea have been stars for the St. Ignatius Falcons and Jr. Wolves Basketball Team over the last few years and will be bringing their talents to the Thunderwolves Women’s Basketball Team next season.
CASSANDRA SOULIAS
5’4 Point Guard
Faculty: Kinesiology and/or Education
Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Last Team: St. Ignatius High School (Ranked 5th at ‘AA’ OFSAA)
Statistics (St. Ignatius Falcons grade 12):
12 PPG, 6 assists per game, 5 steals per game, & 75% FT shooter.
Achievements:
Individual:
- 2009-2010 St. Ignatius High School Junior MVP and first team all star
- 2010-2011 SSSAA all star
- 2011-2012 SSSAA city MVP
- Team captain in club and high school teams
Team:
- MYAS (Minneapolis Youth Amateur Sport) 2010 USSSA 2nd place National Qualifier with Jr Wolves Club Team
- 2012 MYAS Spring Basketball 3rd place
- 2012 MYAS Spring Championship 2nd place
- OFSAA for three consecutive years with H.S. Team
Soulias on attending Lakehead stated, “Lakehead University was an easy choice for me because I feel that I have been part of the university for most of my life. I have been coached by varsity players and Jon Kreiner since a very young age and the Thunderdome has become my second home. Since my first basketball camp, it has been a dream of mine to play varsity basketball. I am a hard worker and feel like the style of play that Coach Kreiner teaches will be a natural fit for me. I am looking forward to the next level of basketball as a member of the Thunderwolves team, and continuing my education at Lakehead University. Achieving both of these goals in my hometown make it very special for me.”
St. Ignatius Coach Matt Erdman added, “I’m happy for Cassandra to continue her basketball career with the school she grew up watching. Coach Kreiner is getting a lighting quick, selfless PG who makes everyone around her better. Cassandra’s defensive intensity and IQ will translate very well at the next level with the style of play Coach Kreiner has implemented. Her hunger and drive to get better every day is unmatched by most and I’m sure will only get better. ‘Cass’ has been an excellent student-athlete and role model at St. Ignatius both on the court and in the classroom and Lakehead University is getting an outstanding person with high character who exemplifies all the traits of a LU student-athlete. Coach Kreiner and the Wolves have done an unbelievable job of helping her prepare and develop over the course of her high school career.”
KATELYN ANDREA
5’11” Forward
Faculty of Interest: Applied Biomolecular Science or BioInformatics
Academic Average: 92 %
Hometown: Thunder Bay, ON
Last Team: St Ignatius Falcons (Ranked 5th at AA OFSAA)
Supporting Statistics (St Ignatius grade 12):
22.1 PPG, 7.9 Rebounds per game, 3.4 Steals per game, 44% Shooting, 70% Free Throws
Awards Won:
- Halifax Hoops for Hope Basketball Tournament All Star (2009 & 2011)
- St. Ignatius Junior Basketball Team SSSAA Champions- MVP (2009)
- St. Ignatius Female Athlete of the Year (2010, 2011, 2012)
- Junior Wolves Basketball Team, Co-Captain (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
- St. Ignatius Senior Basketball Team SSSAA Champions & NWOSSA Champions
- OFSAA participants 2010, 2011, 2012 – Co- Captain (2011 & 2012)
- St. Ignatius Track and Field MVP (2010 & 2011)
- Lakehead University Basketball Tournament MVP (2011)
- Lakehead University Basketball Tournament All Star (2012)
- Honour Roll (over 90%) (2010, 2011, 2012)
Andrea on attending Lakehead enthused, “I am thrilled with the opportunity to play for the Thunderwolves women’s basketball team next year. It is a long time dream to represent my hometown at Lakehead and to play at the CIS level. Having known coach Kreiner for so many years, he has played a key role in my development during both high school and club play. After years of watching and learning from many skilled varsity players, I look forward to transitioning to this next level. I am excited to experience the balance between Lakehead’s Science programs and this fantastic athletic opportunity.”
St. Ignatius Coach Matt Erdman commented, “Katelyn is the steal of this year’s CIS recruiting class in my opinion. Her basketball savvy and acumen will make for a seamless transition to the next level for Coach Kreiner. She has an excellent skill-set and basketball IQ on the court as well as the type of work ethic, character and leadership qualities anyone would want to add to their line-up. Her versatility and the ability to play and guard multiple positions on the floor made Katelyn virtually unstoppable in our league. The Thunderwolves are adding an exceptional student-athlete to our school community. Coach Kreiner and the Wolves have done an unbelievable job of helping her prepare and develop over the course of her high school career.”
Thunderwolves Head Coach Jon Kreiner stated, “I have been coaching Cassandra for over six years and Katelyn for five. I am very proud of what each has accomplished both on and off the court. Both players have a remarkable work-ethic, are extremely coachable and are good students. Cassandra and Katelyn will make a speedy transition to the CIS level. They have good basketball IQ, are skilled and can defend. They understand that there is a lot of hard work ahead of them and that success will be earned through determination and perseverance. I couldn’t be happier with the commitment of two great student-athletes and our program just got stronger.”
