THUNDER BAY -- Three Westgate seniors officially put the pen to paper and confirmed their commitment to play post-secondary hoops.
The three female basketball players signed letters of intent in front of their peers on Tuesday, as a part of the school’s annual athletic award ceremony.
Samantha Read will stay local and join the Lakehead Thunderwolves, while teammate Letitia Munroe will play at Rainy River Community College in Minnesota and Katie Dampier will play at Fanshawe College in London.
“It’s nice to see them achieve and accomplish their goals of playing post-secondary,” Westgate’s athletic director David McCallum said. “It’s good they’re still enjoying the sport enough to keep going.”
While it's a little sad leaving high school behind, Dampier said she's looking forward to what's next to come.
“I know that we’ve all grown so much in the last couple of years,” Dampier said. “It was an amazing season, and I’m really proud of everyone pursuing their options.”
The three girls, who played basketball together through all four years of high school, were finalists in this year’s basketball season.
“Once we hit Grade 11 it was like ‘Wow we’re actually killing teams,’” said Read, who plays guard. “Not to undermine anyone, but we felt so different.”
Munroe, who will also play volleyball at International Falls, said the process of getting recruited was intimidating, but she is ready for the next chapter.
“All the girls I’ve talked to said it’s important to train so that you’re in shape,” Munroe said. “I’m just working towards getting a spot on the team and getting my call.”
Dampier is expected to play guard in London, said can't wait to tackle the challenge.
“I’ve always wanted to move out of town for university, so I knew I’d have to pursue really hard,” Dampier said. “It was a long process talking to coaches from southern Ontario, but it all worked out.”
