U of R Cougars’ Kot savours return
Every second on the basketball court is something to savour for Charlotte Kot.
The 22-year-old forward is celebrating her return to the lineup with the University of Regina Cougars women’s basketball team after missing most of the 2016-17 Canada West season because of knee troubles that necessitated surgery in January.
“I don’t take any time on the court for granted because there have been so many times when I wasn’t able to be there,” said Kot, who has had five knee surgeries over the past eight years.
“It has made me really respect the time that I do have on the court and to make sure that I am enjoying that time out there.”
After an intensive rehabilitation period, Kot returned to regularseason action last weekend and helped the Cougars sweep the host University of Manitoba Bisons.
On Friday, Kot hit eight of 11 shots to register 16 points in 19 minutes of play as the Cougars won 85-48. She followed up Saturday with 10 points and nine rebounds in 27 minutes in the Cougars’ 7269 victory.
The back-to-back wins helped the Cougars — the host team for the 2018 U Sports championship — ascend to top spot in the national rankings.
“Every step that I take toward nationals has been something that I didn’t think that I was going to be able to do, so I’m trying to celebrate everything — my first practice, my first game, every milestone,” Kot said.
After recurring issues with both knees, what enabled her to persevere?
“My love for the game,” replied Kot, who is in her fifth and final year of U Sports eligibility. “I am who I am because of basketball. I’ve had really amazing people who I wouldn’t have met if it wouldn’t have been for this game.
“I respect the game, my teammates and my coaches so much that hanging up the shoes really wasn’t an option. I also wanted to finish my career because it was over and because I had chosen to and not be forced to stop.”
The 2017-18 Cougars are preparing for their first home set — games Friday and Saturday against the University of Fraser Valley Cascades. Games are set for 6 p.m. both days at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport.
Men’s basketball games between the two schools are at 8 p.m. both nights.