CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Forward Sophie Atkinson will bring speed, athleticism and a high basketball IQ to the Holland College Hurricanes roster this fall.
The Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School student will study in the sport and leisure management program.
“I feel that it's a great fit for me,” Atkinson said. “The chance to also play basketball at the collegiate level is an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”
Atkinson said she will rely on her speed and agility to be successful with the ‘Canes as she transitions to the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) women’s basketball conference.
“If I use my strengths, I will be a strong player on the defensive end. My aggressiveness combined with my basketball IQ helps me see the floor and be one step ahead of our opponents,” she said. “I will bring a positive and coachable attitude to the team this season.”
Hurricanes head coach Jared Cheverie said he was impressed with the play of Atkinson this spring.
“Sophie was an unexpected standout at our recent identification camp,” he said. “The quickness, athleticism and coachability that she demonstrated will make Sophie a great addition to our program.”
Atkinson joins Rylee Connolly, a Charlottetown native who played forward for the Colonel Gray Colonels high school team, as part of this year’s recruiting class for the Hurricanes.
Holland College begins its 2019 ACAA regular season on Nov. 2 when it visits the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics in Halifax. Holland College went 7-14 and missed the playoffs in 2018-19. The program won back-to-back-to-back conference championships from 2015-17 and earned bronze and silver medals in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
