paige thomson neelers
VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes are proud to announce the commitment of Neelin High School's Paige Thomson for the 2014-15 women's basketball varsity season. The 17-year-old, six-foot native of Brandon, Man. is in the final year as a Spartan, where she has been recognized on several occasions for her accomplishments on the court.

The forward's impressive accolades include the Neelin High School Female Varsity Athlete of the Year, Westman Journal High School Athlete of the Year and Brandon Sun Krug Sportsman of the Year Nominee. She was named to the Manitoba Basketball Coaches Association All Manitoba Second-Team and won a Canada Games bronze medal as a member of Team Manitoba. This past summer, Thomson trained with the U-17 women's Basketball Development Program.

"Paige has quite literally grown up on the basketball court and this is evident in what she brings to her game," said Vikes women's head coach Dani Sinclair. "She has a relentless work ethic and a great understanding and feel for the game. What is most impressive though is that she is a tough and gritty competitor. She understands what it takes to succeed and we're excited to welcome her into the program."

A multi-sport athlete, Thomson was also named to the Manitoba Volleyball Association's All-Manitoba Team in 2013 and won the MHSAA AAAA Championship in 2012. During her high school volleyball career, she was a member of two provincial gold medal-winning teams and two silver medal-winning teams over four years. Thomson's teams were both provincial and national finalists in the Final Eight and Final Four in her U-15, U-16 and U-17 years. In addition to volleyball, Thomson was also a member of Neelin High School's badminton and softball teams.

Thomson's basketball roots trace back to her father Don, a member of the Brandon Bobcats and head coach of Brandon's basketball program from 1991-1992 and 1994-2001. He was also the head coach for this past summer's U-17 Manitoba women's basketball team. Thomson's mother was also a member of Brandon's basketball program, playing for the Lady Bobcats and serving as an assistant coach with the program for four years. Her younger brother also participates on several sports teams.

"I am very interested in UVic's geography program," said Thomson. "Especially Coastal Studies. I'm also very excited to become a part of the women's basketball program and help maintain the tradition that is UVic basketball."

Thomson will graduate from Neelin High School this spring with a diploma in academics and fine arts before heading west to join the UVic Vikes women's basketball program for the 2014-15 season.

Paige Thomson

Age: 17
Height: 6'0"
Position: Forward
Hometown: Brandan, Man.
High School: Neelin High School
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