March in review

LSIBL Mentorship Program Launch

In 2023, the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League (LSIBL) was awarded a grant to launch its very first Indigenous Female Coaches Mentorship Program. The initiative was a huge success, creating a powerful space for Indigenous women to grow as leaders in the sport of basketball. This year, we were thrilled to receive additional funding to run a Coaches Mentorship Program again- this time with 12 mentor coaches and 12 mentees paired together.

The mentorship program focuses on supporting Indigenous coaches in developing their coaching skills, building confidence, and ensuring they are supported. It's about more than basketball- it’s about creating role models, amplifying Indigenous voices, and ensuring the next generation of athletes see themselves reflected in leadership positions. 

Senior Division Growth – A Huge Victory

This season also marked the return of the LSIBL Senior Division. When we launched the senior program back in 2022, we started with just eight athletes in Saskatoon. This year? We had over 60 female athletes register—an incredible milestone and a powerful sign of growth.

The expansion of the Senior Division reflects a growing demand for safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where athletes can thrive in sport. It’s a testament to the work being done by coaches, community leaders, and families to break down barriers and build something meaningful.

While scaling up brings logistical challenges—like securing enough court space and volunteers—the energy, excitement, and participation from the athletes makes every step forward worth celebrating.

Coaching Poppy’s U7 Team

On Saturday mornings, my sister Taylor and I took on a new adventure: coaching Poppy’s U7 basketball team. Balancing weekend coaching with work commitments wasn’t always easy, and there were many mornings when Taylor had to lead the team solo.

According to Poppy, Taylor was “too nice” and needed to be a “stricter coach like my mom” -a comment that had us all laughing! Despite the chaos, it was a joyful and memorable experience. Watching Poppy and her teammates learn, grow, and start to love the game reminded me why I do this work. It was pure joy to witness their budding passion and be a small part of their basketball journey.

Wilson Middle School Sessions

I had the opportunity to visit Wilson Middle School in Lethbridge for four sessions. The first two were with students in basketball and racquet sports classes- around 60 kids in total. For the second session, I was joined by four athletes from the University of Lethbridge Women’s Basketball Team, and together we ran stations that got everyone moving and engaged.

The energy in the gym was contagious. The students were focused, curious, and full of spirit. The final two sessions were with the school's recreational basketball team. After a few intense drills, we ended with an epic one-on-one challenge- me versus every student! The gym was buzzing with energy, and the support from the sidelines created a true team atmosphere.

FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup – Bangkok, Thailand

This year, FIBA 3x3 introduced a brand-new event: the Champions Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. Teams were selected based on continental championships—winners of the AmeriCup, Asia Cup, AfroBasket, and Europe Cup- plus the top two Olympic finishers and the host team. It was an elite field, and whispers suggested this event could play a role in qualification for the 2028 Olympics.

We arrived a few days early to adjust to the time zone and soak in some of Bangkok’s incredible culture. A highlight was the long-tail boat ride through the city’s winding canals- a beautiful and peaceful way to experience the city’s rhythm.

In pool play, we faced off against China, Germany, and Madagascar, finishing undefeated. The semifinal against Australia was intense and came down to the wire. With one second left, we banked in a deep three to win- it was an unforgettable moment of pure adrenaline.

In the final, we matched up against Spain and came out on top, securing the title. Saicha was named tournament MVP- a well-deserved recognition- and it was the perfect way to kick off our season.

After the tournament, we spent two more days exploring Bangkok: temples, the iconic reclining Buddha, and vibrant night markets.