The young NAIT Ooks women's basketball team led by head coach Todd Warnick look to find success in the 2018-2019 ACAC women's basketball season.

The Ooks finished the 2017-2018 campaign with a 15-9 regular season record and a 4^th place finish in the ACAC North Division. The Ooks would end with a 6^th place final standing at the ACAC Championship.

"A transition year last year saw some 5th-year student-athletes move on from the Ooks and create more opportunities for some younger players on the team to develop and grow," said Coach Warnick 

The Ooks enter the 2018-19 season with a number of returning athletes from last season. Anchored by 4^th year All-Conference Guard Sydney Hurlburt and 5th-year guard Leah Vandenboogaard, the Ooks will be characterized by youthful energy and potential this season. Returning for their second season's are 2^nd year St. Albert, AB. native Allie Hunder and explosive shooting guard Kaelyn Bryks. Former mid-year MacEwan University (USPORTS) transfer Carly McHarg also enters her second season with Ooks. All of these sophomore players will be looked upon to provide leadership and experience on a very young team. 

The Ooks recruiting class filled in the position of point guard vacated last year by two 5^th year guards (Katie Waring and Megan Belcourt) with the addition of Moose Jaw, SK. native Katherine McDougall and from Hines Creek, AB. Desiree Giesbrecht.

The Ooks also shored up the forward position with the additions of 6'1" 2nd-year transfer Hallie Watt and 6'1" Prince Albert, SK. forward Mackenzie Emmerson, as well as 6'0" MacKenna Shultz from Sherwood Park, AB.  

"Our youthful energy will provide some dynamic play this season, if not some inconsistencies as our young athletes learn the ropes of the highly competitive ACAC women's basketball league," said Coach Warnick.

The NAIT Ooks will open up the 2018-2019 season this Friday as they play host to their Highway 16 rival Lakeland Rustlers in the NAIT Gymnasium at 6:00 pm.