Simon Fraser University Athletics

A Mosaic of Heritage
Kaitlin grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, in the same house her entire life. Her family is a vibrant blend of cultures: Ghanaian, Hungarian, and Irish. This diverse heritage, along with her cousins’ Chinese, Filipino, and Trinidadian backgrounds, created a large assortment of traditions and stories.
 
A New Direction in Sports
Initially, Kaitlin's life revolved around soccer. Her family lived and breathed the sport, with her parents coaching and attending Christine Sinclair camps fueling her passion. A challenging experience with a coach redirected her enthusiasm, inspiring her to pursue basketball in 7th grade. It was here that she met coach Jeff Wise, whose positivity made her fall in love with the game.
 
Finding Her Place on the Court
Basketball quickly became Kaitlin's new passion. She joined a club team and played for Team Alberta, but it was a spontaneous opportunity that changed everything. An unexpected email invited her to join "The Misfits" for nationals. Meeting her teammates just hours before the first game, Kaitlin played with heart and skill, catching the eye of SFU's Coach Langford.
 
The Path to SFU
Kaitlin's journey to SFU was filled with destiny. Her standout performance at nationals led to a conversation with Coach Langford. Despite having met her teammates only a day before, her energy and talent shone through, securing her spot at SFU. By the time she started her grade 11 year, she was already committed to her new path.
 
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Now in her 2nd year, Kaitlin is pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. Her dream is to explore mental wellness in sports, aiming for a master's in Psychology or Kinesiology. Ultimately, she aspires to earn a Ph.D. and coach, combining her love for sports and mental health.
 
On the Court: Energy and Enthusiasm
Kaitlin's basketball style is defined by her vibrant energy and communication. Starting later than many of her peers, she used her enthusiasm to stand out. Over time, she is developing her skills, hoping to be a well-rounded player who inspires her team with every game.
 
The Pillars of Support
Family has always been Kaitlin's foundation. Her father's Ghanaian roots and her mother's Canadian background provided a unique cultural mix. Her older sister paved the way in sports, offering guidance, while her younger sister’s thoughtful insights continue to inspire Kaitlin.
 
Overcoming Challenges
Childhood trials helped Kaitlin develop resilience. She learned to steer past negativity, focusing on her strengths and what she could control. Kaitlin became a positive force within the sporting community by supporting those who overcame challenges and was recognized for role by being awarded the Jon Hameister-Ries memorial scholarship. Kaitlin was awarded with this scholarship for exemplifying the qualities that Jon brought to a team and to his life: leadership, drive, kindness, empathy for others and team player.
 
Goals for the Season
To reach growth, Kaitlin will foster team chemistry to accomplish great feats and break her personal bests. She fiercely drives herself and her teammates to outdo the competition and seize every opportunity to win. 
 
Building Community and Connection
Passionate about bridging athletics and academics, Kaitlin envisions events that unite students and faculty. From collaborative basketball games to Breast Cancer awareness initiatives, she seeks to nurture a sense of engagement at SFU.
 
Looking Forward
Reflecting on her journey, Kaitlin is grateful for the lessons learned along the way. Her goal is to work in Sports Psychology, using the power of communication to inspire others. With her diverse background and unwavering keenness, Kaitlin is set to leave a lasting impact at SFU and beyond.