UPEI women’s basketball team adds Jane McLaughlin

UPEI women's basketball Head Coach Greg Gould is pleased to announce that Halifax Grammar School's Jane McLaughlin will attend and play basketball for UPEI beginning in the fall of 2013. UPEI welcomes McLaughlin, a top recruit for the Panthers basketball program.

The Souris native is a key player who was a part of a national silver medal finish with Nova Scotia's under-17 basketball team, and a starting forward and team captain for Halifax Grammar School Gryphons coached by Kathy Spurr. McLaughlin led the team in both scoring and rebounding this season, and was one of the top high school basketball players in Nova Scotia. She is currently enrolled in the Halifax Grammar School's prestigious international baccalaureate program where she maintains a high honours average.

'We are pleased to welcome Jane to the Panther Family,' said UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman. 'We will do everything possible to support Jane to excel academically and athletically, and to have a wonderful university experience here at UPEI.'

Gould believes McLaughlin will be an outstanding addition to the Panthers. 'I am excited to have Jane join our program. She brings so many positive attributes to our team. Jane is a very fit, athletic, and aggressive player who can rebound, play inside, or on the perimeter. She is a good, three-point shooter and a versatile defender capable of guarding opponents inside and perimeter players. Jane loves to compete both in practices and in games. She is extremely competitive and hates to lose. I have no doubt that these qualities will enable Jane to make an immediate impact on our program.'

'I chose UPEI after watching them play and seeing how Coach Gould has turned the program into an AUS contender. I'm excited to be coached by Greg and thrilled to be a Panther next season. I attended many UPEI games as a youngster and I always loved the facility and the exciting atmosphere their fans bring. I believe UPEI will be a great fit for me to achieve my personal goals, while helping the team achieve their goal of winning an AUS championship,' said McLaughlin. 'I'm ecstatic to be returning to the province where I played so many of my early years of basketball. It will be so great to be close to my family who have been so supportive in helping me achieve my academic and athletic goals.'

'When Jane came to visit UPEI, our players, coaches, and administrators were all so impressed with her that they all told me they wanted her in our program. Her strong work ethic, dedication, and desire to improve fits in well with our new Panther basketball culture. We know we are getting an outstanding player and student, as well as a quality person who will make our team, our school, and our community a better place,' added Gould.