The frigid wind chill of -40s in Saskatoon welcomes the University of Saskatchewan Huskie athletes as they gather at the Merlis Besher Centre for their practice sessions this week. Despite the bone-chilling weather, the Huskie women’s basketball team is sizzling with a remarkable winning streak of 44 consecutive victories spanning over a year and two seasons. Their winning spree dates back to their defeat by the Calgary Dinos in November 2024.
Currently boasting a flawless 14-0 record in the regular season, the Huskies are gearing up to defend their unbeaten streak against the Calgary Dinos this Friday. Forward Téa DeMong expressed eagerness for the upcoming challenge, emphasizing the opportunity for revenge against the team that last bested them in 2024.
The team’s success is attributed to the wealth of experience in its roster, featuring five fifth-year players and three fourth-year members. Head coach Lisa Thomaidis, with 27 years of coaching tenure, lauded the leadership skills of the veterans, highlighting their ability to navigate through victories and setbacks.
Notably, Thomaidis’ exceptional coaching acumen has propelled the Huskies to three national championships and earned her recognition in coaching Canada’s and Germany’s women’s national teams. Captain Gage Grassick commended Thomaidis for her profound impact on the team’s consistent achievements, emphasizing the transformation of players into not only skilled athletes but also exemplary individuals.
Describing the team as “gritty,” Grassick emphasized their relentless pursuit of success, characterized by unwavering determination and resilience. As the Huskies brace for intense back-to-back games against the formidable Dinos, guard Logan Reider stressed the team’s unity and unwavering commitment to hard work.
Within the competitive landscape of the Canada West conference, where four teams are ranked in the top 10, including the Huskies at the pinnacle, Thomaidis underscored the significance of robust competition in honing the team’s skills. With eyes set on the playoffs, Thomaidis expressed optimism about the team’s potential to achieve greater heights and deliver stellar performances as the season progresses.
The highly anticipated showdown between the Huskies and Dinos is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Friday at the Physical Activity Complex on the U of S campus, followed by the men’s game. The action continues on Saturday, commencing at 5 p.m. CT.