Kodiaks land Barnwell point guard Jayla Hudson

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women’s basketball team has added a quick and competitive floor general to its roster with the signing of Barnwell, Alta., native Jayla Hudson.

Hudson, a graduate of W.R. Myers High School in Taber, played her club basketball with Coaldale Chaos where she honed her skills as a point guard. She will enter the General Arts and Science program at Lethbridge Polytechnic with plans to focus on kinesiology.

Hudson says the decision to join the Kodiaks was an easy one.

“They’re very welcoming, so it was just a good decision and it’s close to home,” she says. “I went to the ID camp, and the coaches talked to me after. It was a good experience.”

Hudson brings an impressive résumé to the Kodiaks, including multiple MVP awards at tournaments and all-star selections. Most recently, she earned MVP honours for her high school team.

For the upcoming season, Hudson says she’s eager to contribute both on and off the court.

“I just want to bring a lot of fun, happiness and connection with the girls,” she says. “I’m looking forward to making memories with the team.”

Kodiaks head coach Ken McMurray says Hudson stood out immediately at the team’s identification camp.

“Jayla caught our eye with her hustle and tenacious defence,” McMurray says. “With her work ethic and determination, she’ll adapt to the next level quickly. The jump from high school to post-secondary is always big, but Jayla is a determined athlete, and her learning curve will be steep.”

McMurray says Hudson will be challenged to embrace the responsibilities of the point guard role.

“She’ll be asked to create for her teammates, guard full court, hit the three and get into the lane with her quickness off the dribble,” he says.

Hudson credits her mother for supporting her basketball journey and helping her reach this next step in her career.

Kodiaks coaches actively recruit high school athletes around Alberta and neighbouring provinces. If one of the Kodiaks coaches hasn’t spoken to you yet, don’t worry. Simply fill out the recruitment form (gokodiaks.ca/recruitment), and they would be pleased to learn more about you.