Kodiaks women’s basketball team adds versatile B.C. recruit

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women’s basketball team has added a versatile and physical forward with the commitment of Desiree French for the upcoming season. She is set to join the Kodiaks this fall while beginning her studies in the General Arts and Science program.

Originally from Jaffray, B.C., French attends Fernie Secondary School and competes with the Fernie Elevate Basketball club program. During her high school career, she served as team captain and earned most valuable player honours last season. 

For French, the decision to join the Kodiaks was influenced by both the academic opportunities available at Lethbridge Polytechnic and the strong connections her family has with the program.

“It had the exact education that I wanted,” says French. “I’ve always really liked how close-knit the team is and enjoyed watching them and seeing the chemistry they have on the court. Both of my parents [Kevin French, Rylee Anderson 2000] played here, and my older sister [Emilee French 2024-25] played here too, so it’s always been a family place.”

French attended several Kodiaks identification camps throughout the recruiting process and remained in contact with the coaching staff before committing to the program.

Kodiaks head coach Deanna Simpson says French's versatility immediately stood out during the recruiting process.

“She can handle the ball, she can shoot, but she can also be physical inside,” says Simpson. “That’s going to be a really good fit in our three and four positions and will help add some physicality to our roster.”

Simpson adds French’s relentless style of play and basketball IQ make her an ideal fit for the Kodiaks system.

“The biggest thing is her aggressiveness,” says Simpson. “She wants to get to the basket, she wants to rebound, she wants to shoot and she wants to defend. She embodies everything you look for in a physical player, and she understands the game very well.”

French thanks her high school coach Jen Kennedy and her teammates for their support throughout her basketball journey. She also credits her family for helping her reach this opportunity, with both her parents serving as coaches during her development.

“I’m excited to get started and get to know everybody, play at a higher level and continue to develop as a player,” says French. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play post-secondary basketball.”