Women Hurricanes add mainland talent

In its quest for an Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) three-peat, the Holland College Hurricanes women’s basketball team have added Tyleigha Nelson from Nova Scotia.

The Halifax native’s Citadel High School team went 100-0, winning three provincial titles in three years.

Nelson was also part of the provincial team that went to the 2013 Canada Games Sherbrooke, Que.

Nelson also spent a season (2014-15) playing Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) ball with Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Mike Connolly, Hurricanes women’s head coach, said Nelson should have an instant effect in the ACAA.

“Tyleigha is the fifth transfer to commit to Holland Hurricanes women’s basketball team,” said Connolly.

“She was a starter on one of the best high school teams at Citadel in some time and she will no doubt have an immediate impact in our conference.”

The 20-year-old Nelson, who enrolled in the sport and leisure management program, said her defence would most impact the team.

“Overall I am a very strong, quick and aggressive player. Defensively, I am able to guard all positions. Offensively, I’m difficult to guard off of the dribble and I have been adding some shooting into my game as well,” said Nelson.

“With the players already on the team, along with the ones coming in, I think the fans are in for a good season. I am extremely excited for the coming season.”

The Hurricanes went 16-2 in the regular season last year, winning its second ACAA title and finished second at the nationals.

They have already announced the addition of Halifax guard Keia Beals, Bahamian centre Pamela Bethel. Charlottetown guard Kendra Craswell and former UPEI Panther guard Darcy Zinck.