Brock women’s basketball player Steph Findlay has been eagerly awaiting her Badgers debut.

While the Oakville native transferred to Brock last December, she was unable to hit the court for the University mid-season, which meant a few months watching from the sidelines.

As the new season approaches, and the team prepares for its first game Oct. 25, Findlay is ready to prove she can make an impact.

And it wouldn’t be the first time.

No stranger to the court, Findlay was a three-year varsity starter at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School in Oakville. As a junior, she helped her high school team to a Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference championship and a bronze medal in the school’s first-ever appearance in the AAAA OFSAA championships (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations).

Findlay was named a Halton Secondary School Athletic Association conference all-star in both her junior and senior seasons, and she was rated a top prospect by CROWN Scout Girls Basketball in Ontario as a member of several strong travel programs.

“I received a scholarship to play basketball at Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, but after my first semester, I didn’t feel it was the right fit for me,” Findlay said. “I wanted to be closer to home and my French education program was not overly challenging.”

Findlay was able to connect with Ashley MacSporran, head coach of Brock women’s basketball, who was familiar with the young prospect.

“I was quite happy to have such a versatile player be a part of our program, as I know she will be difficult to defend,” MacSporran said. “She has guard skills with size, a tremendous inside game and will to score, but is also a wonderful team player. I am able to push and challenge her because she wants to be better and desires an atmosphere where she can grow.”

When Findlay arrived at Brock, MacSporran felt instantly connected to her.

“Her competitive fire is a lot like mine with her will to win burning strong,” she said. “I knew sitting would be difficult for her, but encouraged her to use the few months as learning to improve areas of her game and make the team better.”

Observing from the bench can be a great learning experience and MacSporran feels it has helped to improve Findlay’s court awareness.

“We look forward to having her step into a very big role this year,” MacSporran said. “She has been working so hard and is ready. She bought in from her first day in December and that is certainly what I love and respect about Steph.”

While Findlay had to sit out last season, which she admitted was “definitely not easy to do,” travelling and practising with her teammates made her feel like a true Badger.

“I used my time off as motivation to come out stronger and better in my second year,” she said. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to play with some great teammates, and for a great coach. I think we are going to be a special team this year and I am beyond excited for the season to start.”

The women’s basketball team kicks off its season Wednesday, Oct. 25 with a 6 p.m. tipoff against Western University in Brock’s Bob Davis Gymnasium.