A dominant force at the high school and collegiate level, Niverville native Faith LaRocque has committed to the Bisons women's basketball program.
The 6'0" power forward joins Manitoba following a stellar run at the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) level with Providence. This past year, LaRocque helped the Pilots to an undefeated season, capping things off with a 69-58 win over the CMU Blazers on home court. LaRocque had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the win, earning Championship MVP honours, along with MCAC Player of the Year status.
Overall in 2025-26, LaRocque -- also the team MVP, Pilots Athletics Women's Player of the Year, NIAC Player of the Year and NCCAA North Region First Team selection -- averaged 14.6 points per game, and 7.5 rebounds per game, along with 65 steals, 28 blocks and 20 assists.
A Pilots commit in 2023 and two-year captain, LaRocque made an immediate difference for the program. She was named an NCCAA North Region honorable mention in year one, and received NIAC all-conference recognition. She was also selected as the team's Defensive Player of the Year. In her second season, she was named to the NCCAA North Region Second Team, was an NIAC All-Conference and MCAC All-Conference pick, and was also the team's MVP.
"Faith is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in program history at Providence College and the MCAC Conference. She earned Female Athlete of the Year, All-American honours and a trip to the national championship," said Bisons head coach Michele Sung.
"What excited us most is she is a proven competitor who will elevate herself and everyone around her. We're thrilled to welcome Faith to the program and can't wait to see how she will impact the group."
Prior to her MCAC days, LaRocque earned a reputation as one of the best two-way high school players in Manitoba.
She was a two-time MHSAA provincial champion with the Dakota Lancers and also helped Manitoba to their first-ever gold medal in women's basketball at the North American Indigenous Games in 2023.
With her commitment, LaRocque will be re-united with former Lancers teammates Darya Rom, Kyu Fust and her sister, Hope.
"I look forward to improving as a player and person next year as a part of the Bisons," she said.
"Playing for the U of M has been a goal of mine for a long time, and I know that this opportunity will provide the necessary environment for new growth. I'm excited to grow alongside a community full of talented athletes who push themselves and others to become better."