Kodiaks women’s basketball signs NAIG gold medalist

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks have signed local basketball standout Kaycee Tallman. A product of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Tallman capped off her high school career by winning the south zone title and taking home bronze at the 4A provincial championships.

Tallman also brings international experience to the Kodiaks program, having won gold at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax as a member of Alberta’s U16 team.

Head Coach Ken McMurray says it was Tallman’s ability to deliver in key moments that sparked his interest, but it’s her all-around game that truly sets her apart. 

“She is not afraid of the spotlight,” says McMurray. “Kaycee is a solid shooter, but her defence and hustle are also attributes that stand out.”

For Tallman, the recruitment process began after a conversation with her high school coach Darren Miller.

“He told me that [the Kodiaks] were interested and that I should attend their ID camp and since then, the coaches have been in contact and it was super easy,” says Tallman.

McMurray says he believes Tallman has the potential to be a very good Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference player and that her work ethic will fit nicely into the Kodiaks family. 

Tallman will be enrolled in the polytechnic’s General arts and Science program while working toward her bachelor of education from the University of Lethbridge. “It’s going to be a lot but I'm excited to be a Kodiak,” she says. 

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.