Lancer women basketball’s team take a group picture with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, after being honoured at City Council meeting. Photo by Mike Havey.
Windsor Mayor and alumnus Drew Dilkens (BCO ’96, MBA ’97, JD ’11) had great things to say about UWindsor’s national championship Lancer Women’s Basketball and Men’s Track and Field teams during Monday evening’s City Council meeting. Here are Mayor Dilkens’ remarks:
“As I’m sure you’ve all noticed we have two great University of Windsor athletic teams in attendance tonight. Both teams claimed CIS national championship titles this year and both have done a tremendous job representing Windsor on the national stage. It is truly an honour to have them here tonight to express our pride in them, to congratulate them and to offer them a small token of our appreciation. Also with us tonight is the University of Windsor’s new provost Douglas Kneale, who is attending in place of President Alan Wildeman who was unable to be here.
Attending tonight is the University of Windsor Lancers Women’s Basketball Team. I’m sure they need no introduction after the national media attention they have garnered in the last few years. With us tonight are Head Coach Chantal Vallée, Assistance Coach Tom Foster, Athletic Director Mike Havey and Team Manager Tessa Kreiger, along with players Kristine Lalonde, Jocelyn LaRocque, Caitlyn Longmuir, Emily Prevost, Cheyanne Rogers, Carly Steer, Erica McFadden and Red Shirt Transfer Erica McFadden.
- The Women’s Basketball Team won their 5th straight CIS National Championship this year by defeating the McGill Martlets in the finals 60-47.
- By winning their 5th straight title, the team tied the record for most consecutive national championships, set by the Laurentian Voyageurs between 1975 and 1979. The team also won their 6th Ontario University Athletics title in 7 years.
- The team had an incredible year with all players contributing to a 19-1 record, the team’s 1st ranked national offense and a number one overall national ranking for the entire season.
- Head Coach Chantal became the first coach ever to win two consecutive CIS Coach of the Year Awards. This season marks Vallée’s tenth season with the team, which she has transformed from a team who had never qualified for a national championship, into a perennial powerhouse.
- Several players also set records and won individual awards this season. Korissa Williams and Jocelyn LaRocque became the first players in history to win 5 CIS Women’s Basketball Championships. Williams also won the CIS Defensive Player of the Year Award and was named the CIS Tournament MVP.
On behalf of Council, I would like to present you all with this commemorative graphic which includes a Key to the City. We congratulate you on your continued success and wish you all the best in chasing your 6th straight title next year.”