Kodiaks women’s basketball signs versatile Magrath athlete
The Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s basketball team has signed Bailey Blackmore as its first recruit of the 202425 season.
Blackmore will graduate from Magrath High School this spring and will enrol in the General Arts and Science program in the fall.
“She has a high basketball IQ, has length and is capable of playing all five positions on the court, including the point, which she had to do at times this past high school year,” says head coach Ken McMurray. “Her versatility will be her biggest asset to the Kodiaks.”
Blackmore says the strong local support was a key factor that led her to sign with the Kodiaks. The college is close to home, family can watch the games and she’s already familiar with the team as she has family, friends and former teammates who also play or have played. Her two older siblings are former Kodiaks;
Carly Blackmore played in the 2021-22 season, while Paycen Blackmore played in two seasons from 2021 to 2023.
“I definitely look up to Carly and Paycen and they inspired me to want to follow in their footstep and play here,” says Blackmore.
Blackmore started attending open scrimmages and I.D. camps for the Kodiaks in Grade 11, and as a result, she has gotten to understand more about the team’s culture while getting a glimpse into both McMurray’s and assistant coach Deanna Simpson’s coaching styles.
“She has been coached well under Brad Karren at Magrath High School, so we expect her transition to the next level will be seamless,” says McMurray. Karren had previously coached the Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s basketball team for 17 seasons.
Blackmore says she excited to continue her athletic career and get to play with her new teammates as they are a fun and energetic group.
Kodiaks coaches actively recruit high school athletes around Alberta and neighbouring provinces. If one of our coaches hasn’t spoken to you yet, don’t worry. Simply fill out the form (gokodiaks.ca/recruitment) and they would be pleased to learn more about you.