Kodiaks women’s basketball adds versatile forward to recruiting class

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women’s basketball team has added a versatile forward with the commitment of Jenna Meechance for the upcoming season. 

A graduate of Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge, Meechance competed with her school team, the local Naatosi Basketball Club and the Supreme Hoops Canada club program in Calgary. She will enter the General Arts and Science program this fall. 

During her high school career, Meechance earned MVP honours at the West Island College tournament in Calgary and was named a Chinook League all-star. She also developed a reputation as a strong defensive player who embraces physical play and looks to create opportunities for her teammates. 

For Meechance, the decision to join the Kodiaks was influenced by the program’s reputation, the opportunity to stay close to home and connections she already had within the team. 

 “I think it’s a really good program, and I know [Kodiaks guard] Chase Wells-Creighton and thought that I would be a good fit here,” she says. “It’s also really close to home, so I kind of like that as well.”  

In addition to reaching out to the Kodiaks coaching staff herself, Meechance says both her club coach and Wells-Creighton helped introduce her to the program. After a visit from head coach Deanna Simpson at one of her games, the recruiting process moved quickly.  

“What caught our eye about Jenna was her ability to adapt to whatever situation she is in,” Simpson says. “She’s a taller player who has worked on her ball-handling skills and mid-range shot, but she’s not afraid to be physical when she needs to be.”  

Simpson says Meechance filled a variety of roles during her high school career and brings a well-rounded skill set that will continue to develop at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) level. 

“She can be aggressive under the basket, but she’s also continuing to work on her outside game to draw defenders out,” says Simpson. “She rebounds well, contributes defensively and gives us flexibility because she can play a physical style or a more finesse game depending on what the situation requires.”  

Simpson adds Meechance will benefit from learning alongside the Kodiaks’ experienced returning players and believes her versatility will help ease her transition to the collegiate game. 

“We expect her to take advantage of what our veteran players can teach her and continue building on all aspects of her game,” says Simpson. “Her adaptability is going to be a real asset for us moving forward.” 

Meechance, meanwhile, says she is looking forward to improving as a player and experiencing the next level of competition.  

 “I’m excited to get settled into it and keep developing,” she says.  

Meechance also thanks her family, teammates and coaches for their support throughout her basketball journey.