Playing Free: McMaster pushes forward from California experience 

Hamilton, ON-  The two places are so different but connected. One can picture the scenery of Palm Springs, California, where the skies are clear, the sun shines and the weather is warm amid the desert. One can imagine the winter scene in Hamilton, where the sun can’t be seen, the temperature dips below zero and the snow is falling.  For the McMaster Marauders women’s basketball … Continue reading Playing Free: McMaster pushes forward from California experience 

Jordan Denkers takes on the physicality  

Hamilton, ON- Jordan Denkers always loved the physicality. Growing up playing basketball, she always loved playing defence, being aggressive and being competitive.  The third-year McMaster Marauders forward took a lot of pride in that. It was about effort rather than skill. After playing that way at Hamilton Transway and Westdale Secondary School, Denkers was now doing so at the university level.  “It’s just something that anyone’s … Continue reading Jordan Denkers takes on the physicality  

“They’re going to make it”: Gee-Gees’ upward trajectory powered by confidence 

Hamilton, ON- Game after game, Rose-Anne Joly sees the improvement with her team. It may not always show on the scoreboard or stat sheet, but she saw it during their game against the McMaster Marauders on Dec. 2. The Ottawa Gee-Gees women’s basketball team came into this season as a new team – eight new players in total. Some came from high school while others were … Continue reading “They’re going to make it”: Gee-Gees’ upward trajectory powered by confidence 

Ravens embrace their competitive spirit and fun

Hamilton, ON- Dani Sinclair can remember what it felt like. It was around this time last year during the Holiday break.  For her whole playing and coaching career, the Carleton Ravens women’s basketball head coach has always been competitive, always pushing herself to be better. She had talked to players her whole career about how they need to practice as hard – if not harder – … Continue reading Ravens embrace their competitive spirit and fun

Emily Frankovic searches for balance and poise in learning experience 

Hamilton, ON- Emily Frankovic could always score. She did so with Villanova College and with her CYBL and Kia Nurse Elite teams. She’s done so in her first season with the McMaster Marauders.  Frankovic did so against the Toronto Metropolitan (TMU) Bold on Nov. 22 by driving to the rim and finishing with 11 points in a 71-68 defeat. The wing from Thornhill is averaging 11.8 … Continue reading Emily Frankovic searches for balance and poise in learning experience 

Jayme Foreman finds calmness and joy in return home 

Hamilton, ON- The Hamilton guard stepped to the free throw line in front of her hometown crowd with the game in her hands.  Can you hear the noise from those in the Burridge Gym crowd – those cheering for Jayme Foreman to miss? Can you hear the silence from those hoping for her to make them? Foreman’s team, the Toronto Metropolitan (TMU) Bold, were tied at … Continue reading Jayme Foreman finds calmness and joy in return home 

“Next Play”: Jenna Button’s freedom from thought in career-high night 

Hamilton, ON- Shot after shot, the points tally continued to build for Jenna Button on the scoreboard. Yet, she didn’t think about it.  The McMaster Marauders guard scored eight points in the first quarter, seven in the second, eight in the third and six in the fourth.  Yet, even as her points continued to climb up and climb, Button didn’t realize how many she had until … Continue reading “Next Play”: Jenna Button’s freedom from thought in career-high night 

“A Silent Killer”: Deanna Mataseje blends quiet personality with loud impact 

Hamilton, ON- Don’t be fooled by her quiet demeanor. Don’t be fooled by the fact teammate Ashley Guerriero calls her “the sweetest person you would ever meet.” When McMaster Marauders guard Deanna Mataseje steps onto the hardwood, something else happens. Something different than what it might appear. “I don’t think she could ever hurt a fly really,” Guerriero said. “But on that basketball court…she’s another person.” … Continue reading “A Silent Killer”: Deanna Mataseje blends quiet personality with loud impact 

“They’re finding their voice”: McMaster’s veterans enter their leadership era

Hamilton, ON- They came into McMaster in 2020, right before a lost season. After a year of waiting, they finally made their university debuts and grew together. Now, McMaster’s fourth-years played their third home opener as veterans. Now, they were the go-to players and leaders.  The McMaster Marauders women’s basketball team won that home opener versus the Toronto Varsity Blues 67-46 on Nov. 11. The team … Continue reading “They’re finding their voice”: McMaster’s veterans enter their leadership era