A Prince Edward Island basketball standout has committed to the UPEI Panthers for next fall.
Jessica Patenaude is finishing her high school career this year with the Charlottetown Rural Raiders, where she has been a league all-star in both basketball and volleyball the past two years.
“I grew up watching the UPEI Panthers and now, getting to be a part of its program is surreal,” she said. “I’m excited to be a part of a university team where I can push new boundaries and develop as a varsity level athlete.”
Patenaude is expected to play forward for the Greg Gould-coached Panthers.
“We’re thrilled to have Jessica join our program,” Gould said. “She’s a great athlete, an exceptionally hard worker, and a tenacious rebounder who can run the court. I believe Jessica will have an immediate impact on our team.”
The six-foot Charlottetown resident represented P.E.I. on the under-17 provincial basketball team during the summer, where she was among the top three players in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots.
She has also excelled in badminton and track and field while being an honours student. The avid reader and fiction writer plans to pursue an English degree.
