Prince George’s Magrath Commits to UNBC Basketball

Athletics Women's Basketball
February 6, 2017
Alexis Magrath and Sergey Shchepotkin

Prince George post Alexis Magrath is staying in her hometown, officially committing to play basketball for the University of Northern British Columbia in the 2017-2018 season.

Set to graduate from D.P. Todd Secondary this spring, Magrath says her commitment to the program is the fulfillment of a long-term goal.

“I have been waiting a long time for this,” she said. “I put five years of work in with my school team and I have played four years of Junior Timberwolves. I have played for UNBC women’s basketball team head coach Sergey Shchepotkin before, and I really love his coaching, so I am looking forward to this season.”

The six-foot-one Magrath excelled in basketball and volleyball in the high school and club seasons, but says she got the most joy playing basketball.

“I have wanted to play a sport in University since Grade 8,” she said. “Originally, I couldn’t decide between volleyball and basketball, but over the years, basketball became my favourite.”

Shchepotkin has seen his team improve in every season under his direction, and expects Magrath to contribute to the winning culture UNBC is developing.

“I have worked with Alexis in the Junior Timberwolves program for years now. Her work ethic is what sets her apart from other players,” he said. “I expect her to continue to improve in her time here at UNBC.”

Magrath, who grew up playing at halftime of UNBC varsity games, often attends Timberwolves games as a spectator. The team’s improved play is appealing, as she prepares to don the Green and Gold.

“It’s super exciting. I watched them play Mount Royal (in January), and it was cool seeing how the guards work together with the posts, and the wide variety of plays that they run,” she said.

Magrath’s is an imposing figure on the court, and Shcheptokin says her frame, along with her basketball IQ, will be a great asset.

“She obviously possesses great size and presence, particularly in the paint,” he said. “Canada West basketball is a physical game, and I anticipate she will really help us at both ends of the floor.”

That role seems to suit Magrath just fine.

“I am a post. I love getting rebounds,” she said. “Fighting for that ball under the net is my favourite thing to do.”