Mongomo named to CIS All-Rookie Team

March 22, 2016

Maria Mongomo’s strong first season with the UNBC women’s basketball Timberwolves has garnered national recognition.

A week after being named to the Canada West Universities Athletic Association All-Rookie Team, Mongomo’s stellar play was good enough to earn a place on the CIS All-Rookie Team at the CIS Final 8 All-Canadian Awards Celebration in Fredericton, N.B., an historic achievement for UNBC athletics.

The Las Palmas, Spain native is the first Timberwolf in any sport to receive individual CIS recognition, and the first to receive any kind of national award since women’s basketball player Jennifer Clyne was named a CCAA All-Canadian following the 2011-12 season, UNBC’s last before joining Canada West.

Mongomo considers herself very lucky to receive the award.

“There have been many players of different sports working as hard as me,” she said. “To be the first one in UNBC to earn this award, it's very important for me personally. 

“I believe this is a big celebration for UNBC's sports, and especially to those players.”

The significance of Mongomo's accomplishment is not lost on Loralyn Murdoch, UNBC's Director of Athletics and Recreation.

"She is a great player and person," Murdoch said of Mongomo. "Maria earned her place on the CIS All-Rookie Team, and this is not only significant for her, but for UNBC athletics as a whole."

Mongomo, who placed second in Canada West voting behind Alberta Pandas forward and eventual CIS Rookie of the Year Brooklyn Legault, found an immediate place within the Timberwolves starting lineup with her length and athleticism on the court.

UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks is thrilled for Mongomo’s recognition.

"Timberwolves Athletics have always held a leadership role within the UNBC community," he said. "Maria's achievement on the national stage is extraordinary, and it represents a significant milestone for the Timberwolves."

The English Language Studies student led all Canada West rookies in scoring with 17.5 points per game, good for third overall in the conference. She was a strong presence all over the court, as she also averaged seven rebounds (second among Canada West rookies) and 2.5 steals per game, good for fourth in Canada West and best among all rookies.

Mongomo’s accomplishment comes after playing just 12 games this season before returning to Spain due to visa issues, though she will be returning to the Timberwolves for the 2016-17 season.