North Vancouver's Sophie Swant committed to the Simon Fraser University women’s basketball team for the 2015 season.
The 5-11 Argyle Secondary School forward can be described as an intense and competitive athlete who came to basketball somewhat later than usual. With a background in soccer, including an invite to the Canadian national training centre in Grade 9, Swant transitioned to basketball in high school, and has improved immensely in a short time.
“Sophie brings qualities that you cannot have too much of on a team,” Langford said. “Her intensity and competitiveness are unrivaled. Her rebounding is outstanding and in the competitive Great Northwest conference league that will stand her in good stead.”
Swant, whose athletic resume includes selection to the B.C. provincial under-15, -16 and -17 basketball teams, as well as a second-place finish at the B.C. AAA senior girls basketball championships as a junior, is excited for the opportunity to join the Clan in the NCAA.
“It’s the show where everyone who plays sports wants to be,” she explained. “For me, it’s a huge accomplishment and I’m so excited to see how my game will grow against such high competition.”
The Clan is in the thick of that high-level basketball, qualifying for the NCAA national tournament two years in a row, reaching the Sweet 16 in 2013, and the round-of-32 in 2014.
“Everyone involved with the SFU women’s basketball team were major factors in my decision to sign with the Clan,” Swant added. “The team and coaching staff were exactly what I was looking for; supportive, hardworking and always wanting to be better individually to achieve the team’s common goal.”
The star athlete is also a dedicated student. She was named to Argyle’s honour roll all five years at school.
“Sophie is a quality student and I am looking forward to helping her grow as a player throughout her university career,” Langford said. “Teams are made up of diversity and she brings an important piece of the puzzle to us.”
