CREDIT: FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
Chuot Angou gained valuable experience from her time playing for the University of Windsor's elite women's basketball team.

Chuot Angou, a new recruit for the women's basketball team at Fanshawe College this year, will bring her leadership skills and experience to the team as she fills the position of standout guard.

“I'm really excited. There is a lot of talent on the team both with the players and the coaches,” Angou said. “I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish as a team.”

Angou's passion for basketball started when she was in grade seven and developed more once she started high school. She explained that basketball is a stress reliever. “I feel like when I'm on the court, it helps me forget about everything else that's going on in my life, whether it's positive or negative,” Angou said.

For the past two years, Angou attended the University of Windsor to study psychology. During her time at University, Angou played for the school's renowned women's basketball team. According to the University of Windsor's website, the women's basketball team at the University has performed phenomenally over the past seven years, taking home five Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championships.

Angou had the opportunity to be coached by one of the best coaches in the province, as well as the opportunity to play against some of the best players in Ontario. While Angou explains that even though she did not get good minutes while she was part of the women's basketball team at Windsor, she still gained great experience. One memory that stuck out to Angou during her time playing for the Windsor Lancers was when the team made it to top four during her first year on the team and brought home the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) bronze medal.

Regarding Angou's decision to play for the Falcons this year, she explained that Fanshawe has had a strong women's basketball program the past couple of years, referencing their 3rd place finish at the Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA) playoffs last season. Angou also explained that since she is originally from London, it made the choice to play for the team an easier decision. Also, one her friends who currently plays for the Fanshawe women's basketball team encouraged her to try out.

Nicole Carriere, the assistant coach for Fanshawe's women's basketball team, explained that Angou has the ability to score off the drive, a great three-point shot and she is able to beat her defender on defense.

“Chuot also brings a leadership role to us. She has experience playing on a university team and knows what it takes to play at a high level,” said Carriere.

In regards to future goals, Angou said she would like to continue her university studies in psychology with a double major in criminology.

Angou encourages the Fanshawe community to come out and support the team. The women's basketball team will play their first game at home against the Conestoga Condors on Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.