The Olds College Broncos women’s basketball team has begun reshaping itself as they look to repeat as Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national champions.
Their first recruiting piece for the 2019-20 season took them to a rival’s backyard, as Halle Gjerlaug has committed to the Broncos from Monsignor McCoy High School in Medicine Hat.
The five-foot-eight Gjerlaug, who will study sports management at Olds College, is excited about the opportunity to play for the Broncos.
“I was happy to come because I wanted more for my basketball career after high school,” she said. “The amazing gym and workout centre were big factors in deciding to play at Olds.”
Gjerlaug, who can play both guard and forward, turned in an all-star performance while playing for Broncos head coach Avery Harrison and assistant coach Courtney Harrison at the 2019 Alberta Shooting Stars Showcase in March, less than a week after the Broncos became national champions in Quebec City.
She also had a strong season at Monsignor McCoy, helping guide the Colts to a fourth-place finish at the Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) 3A Girls high school provincial championship in Athabasca.
Janice Laing, head coach at Monsignor McCoy, praised Gjerlaug’s versatility, as well as her dedication to the game after sustaining a torn ACL (knee ligament) at the end of her Grade 10 year, followed by a meniscus tear (torn cartilage) early in her Grade 11 year.
“She is not afraid of contact, and she welcomes the challenge of defending key players,” Laing said.
“She is willing to put her heart and soul on the line. She is a well-rounded person with many different interests. She values her family and they are wonderfully supportive of her.
“She will transition well from being a Colt to a Bronco.”
Gjerlaug cites leadership and defensive play as her biggest strengths on the court. And with the Broncos looking to replicate last season’s success, Gjerlaug is looking forward to getting started in Olds this fall.
“People should expect to see a basketball player here to win games and make lifelong friends while having the time of her life,” she said.
The Broncos will begin their national championship defence on Saturday, Oct. 19 as they travel to Red Deer to face the Red Deer College Queens at 6 p.m.
They will then welcome the St. Mary’s University Lightning for their home opener on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m., where they will officially raise their 2018-19 ACAC and CCAA championship banners.
Geordie Carragher is an information officer for Broncos athletics.
