Mighty mite leads the Vikes
This girl is on fire.
Five-foot-five mighty mite Amira Giannattasio is the sparkplug for the University of Victoria Vikes women’s basketball team.
The St. Mary CSS grad dropped 28 and 26 points against the Mount Royal Cougars (piloted by Giannattasio’s former St. Mary coach, Nate McKibbon).
And in the double dip against the UBC Thunderbirds, Giannattasio popped 21 and 29 points.
Finally, against Fraser Valley University Cougars, the senior sank 33 points and snagged 10 rebounds.
“Amira is an absolute star,” said Dani Everitt-Sinclair, head coach of the UVic Vikes.
You may recognize the name Dani Everitt.
The Guelph St. James CSS grad, too, was an “absolute star” when she suited up for the McMaster Marauders (1998-2001).
In her rookie season (1998-1999) Everitt captured the Kathy Shields Award as the top hard court freshman in the country.
Everitt transferred to the University of Victoria for her final two years of eligibility.
The former OUA All-Star earned Canada West and All Canadian honours at UVic. And in 2003 captained the Vic Vikes to the CIS title.
“Amira is so skilled and has such tremendous instincts,” said Everitt-Sinclair. “She is so smooth in how she plays and has such great touch on her shot and around the rim.
“I love everything about Amira and can’t say enough about her — she is like family to me.”
And Giannattasio loves playing for coach Everitt-Sinclair.
“Dani’s passion for the game and coaching is infectious,” said the Canada West Rookie of the Year (2014-2015). “She makes you want to be a better player (and a better) person.”
Initially Giannattasio committed to NCAA D1 “The Mount” — Maryland’s Mount St. Mary’s University — but it just wasn’t the right fit.
What was the right fit was UVic, where former OFSAA St. Mary teammate Jenna Bugiardini was a Vikes standout.
Bugiardini and Giannattasio not only shared OFSAA titles at St. Mary, but Canada West Rookie of the Year honours in their respective freshman years as members of the UVic Vikes (20112012 and 2014-2015).
“UVic was such an amazing fit (for me),” said the four-time OFSAA Champion. “I love the west coast and love being on the island.”
Named UVic’s January athlete of the month, Giannattasio continued: “The energy since the Christmas break has been building momentum (16-4 in conference play) for our drive to the playoffs.”
The Vikes took their 13 consecutive-game win streak on the road this past weekend in a quarter final best of three series with the University of Calgary Dinos. The Dinos shocked the young Vikes (no fifth year players and two fourth year players) in the opener, winning 105-49. In game two the Vikes battled hard, but fell 80-61.
“I’m really proud of our girls,” Everitt-Sinclair told Vikes communications assistant Cameron Doherty.
CALL TO THE HALL: The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame (BSHOF) invites the community to nominate candidates for consideration for the Class of 2018. Nominations close Feb. 28. Visit burlingtonsportshalloffame.ca. Inquiries: Bryce Leggatt: bleggatt@cogeco.ca or 905 634 9671.
Cecelia Carter Smith is a former four-time Canadian champion and world indoor record holder in track and a member of the McMaster Sports Hall of Fame and the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame.