Coach Ryan Thomson says having a women's voice on the men's team brings a new energy and prospective to the Thunderwolves coaching staff.
THUNDER BAY -- Katie Ulakvoic is headed back to campus.
The former Lakehead Thunderwolves women's basketball star has joined the men's team as an assistant coach. A go-to-defender and one of the best-conditioned athletes ever to step for the floor for LU, Ulakovic is hoping to impart some of her basketball wisdom to a men's team that finished inside the top 10 nationally in its most recent campaign in 2019-20.
“I’ve coached boy’s basketball at the high school level for many years but have never had the opportunity to experience coaching at the next level,” Ulakovic said in a release.
“I’m very thankful to coach (Ryan) Thomson and seasoned assistant Matt Erdman for believing in me. I look forward to returning to the Thunderwolf family and learning and developing as a coach.”
Thomson called Ulakovic a welcome addition to the program.
“I’m happy that Katie decided to join the staff this year,” explains Head Coach Ryan Thomson. “She had a decorated career as a player at Lakehead U and has been coaching with the Hammarskjold boys’ basketball program for several years. She’s an excellent communicator and a bright basketball mind.
“We’re excited to have her on board and help our guys continue to improve as people and as players."
Athletic director Tom Warden said he's glad to have Ulakovic, who once hit eight three-pointers in a game during her final season in 2015, back in the fold.
“Katie was a fierce competitor and a friendly face around the Fieldhouse during her time as a student-athlete,” Warden said.
“We’re glad to have Katie rejoin the Thunderwolf family in a program first for men’s basketball at Lakehead. Having a woman’s voice on the coaching staff will bring new energy and perspective to the coaching roster, and will enrich the learning experience for the players.”
