The Olds College Broncos women’s basketball team has looked to Manitoba for another piece in its 2019-20 puzzle.
Combo guard Dani Earl of Winnipeg, Man., has committed to the defending Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national champions beginning this fall. She will study sports management.
The five-foot-three Earl, who served as a co-captain of the Glenlawn Collegiate Lions this past season, was drawn to Broncos head coach Avery Harrison’s approach to building a program in making her decision to commit.
“There’s a different drive that comes from this program, and it intrigued me,” she said. “After researching the school, I found programs and degrees that interested me as well.”
Earl completed a decorated athletic career with the Lions, where she earned most valuable player honours playing junior varsity, along with a provincial All-Star selection, which she also earned in varsity competition, while playing multiple sports and maintaining a high academic standard throughout.
Earl considers herself a natural leader who can run plays and control an offence while pushing the ball and being a consistent shooting presence, all while acknowledging her need to adjust to the pace and court vision of the college game.
Glenlawn Collegiate head coach Bryan Kornberger had high praise for Earl.
“Dani is one of the finest people, and players, to pass through the Glenlawn basketball program,” he said in a tweet. “She led by example and encouraging words, being a great captain, passer, and clutch shooter.
“The Olds College family will be a better place with her presence.”
Following the Broncos’ success last season, Earl is hoping to experience the same thing with Olds College this season, believing this year’s Broncos will possess a similar work ethic.
“It’s really exciting to come to a national championship team, and I can’t wait to learn from the team and Coach Harrison,” she said.
The Broncos will begin their national championship defence on Saturday, Oct. 19 as they travel to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre to face the Red Deer College Queens at 6 p.m. before welcoming the St. Mary’s University Lightning in their home opener on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m., where they will officially raise their 2018-19 ACAC and CCAA championship banners.
The Broncos will also be hosting a Back to School Basketball Skills camp on Sundays throughout the fall at the Ralph Klein Centre for grades 5 through 12. Contact the Broncos for details.
