Kodiaks add versatile post player Ava Michelson from Stirling

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women’s basketball team has added a strong and competitive post player to its roster for the upcoming season with the signing of Ava Michelson from Stirling, Alta.

Michelson, a multi-sport athlete at Stirling School, has had a well-rounded athletic career thus far, that helped shape her competitive mindset. Kodiaks Head Coach Ken McMurray says her background at a highly competitive program will serve her well as she transitions to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).

“Ava competed in volleyball, basketball, badminton and rugby at Stirling High School,” says McMurray. “Stirling has always been competitive, which speaks to solid coaching and school leadership focused on excellence. This attitude will translate well to the next level for Ava, who is competitive in her own right.”

McMurray says Michelson brings physicality to the post and expects her to contribute immediately.

“She will be expected to beat her opponents down the floor by rim running, defending in the post and rebounding,” he says. “These attributes served her well at the high school level, and she’ll be expected to carry them into the ACAC — which she has the potential to do well.”

Michelson, who will enrol in the General Arts and Science program at Lethbridge Polytechnic, says her decision to join the Kodiaks came naturally.

“I went to one of the ID camps early on, and I really liked the environment and how the coaches ran things,” she says. “After that, it just felt like the right fit.”

She says she’s looking forward to being part of a close-knit team and building new relationships.

“I’m excited to meet the girls, build chemistry and just be part of a team again,” says Michelson. “It’ll be fun to compete together and push each other.”

Among her proudest athletic moments is a provincial title she won with Stirling two years ago.

“Winning provincials was a big highlight,” she says. “That’s something I’ll always remember.”

Michelson also gives credit to everyone who has supported her along the way – family, coaches, teammates – saying, “they all helped me get here.” 

Kodiaks coaches actively recruit high school athletes around Alberta and neighbouring provinces. If one of the Kodiaks coaches hasn’t spoken to you yet, don’t worry. Simply fill out the recruitment form (gokodiaks.ca/recruitment), and they would be pleased to learn more about you.