CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — After a strong showing at the Hurricanes’ identification camp in April, Prince Edward Islander Rylee Connolly is set to join the Holland College women's basketball team for the 2019-2020 season.
For the past three seasons, Connolly has played with the Colonel Gray High School senior AAA girls’ team. She was also a member of P.E.I. provincial teams from 2015 through 2019, including a Canada Games team. Connolly with be enrolled in the marketing and advertising management program.
“Holland College has a very welcoming and supportive environment that really interests me,” she expressed. “I feel the setting makes for an easier transition from high school, plus staying on P.E.I. and having the opportunity to play in front of my friends and family is an added bonus.”
Connolly, a five-foot-10 forward from Charlottetown, was named captain in her last two seasons with Colonel Gray. When asked about what skills and strengths she will be bringing to the Hurricanes, Connolly said: “One of my main strengths, as a player, is my mental game. I also pride myself on my ability to read the floor and my rebounding skills.
“I believe the past two years as captain at Colonel Gray has taught me a lot about motivating, supporting and pushing my teammates and myself to play to our potential. Having encouragement, a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn has helped shape me into a better player.”
Hurricanes head coach Jared Cheverie is happy to add Connolly to the roster.
“Rylee is a driven and determined student-athlete, who we have kept our eye on for the past two seasons, including her time with the U17 provincial team, where she played for Hurricanes assistant coach Katie Donahoe,” said Cheverie. “Rylee is already showing to be dedicated to improving her skillset and could be one of the young players to watch in this upcoming Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) season.”
The Hurricanes are set to open up their ACAA regular season at the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics in Halifax, N.S., on Saturday, Nov. 2.
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