Brittney Thibeaux of the Olds Broncos has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women's Basketball Player of the Year. She received the award at the 2019 CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship banquet, hosted by Cégep de Sainte-Foy in Sainte-Foy, QC. Thibeaux led the Broncos to a 17-4 record and second-place finish in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) South Division.
The fourth-year forward led her conference with 27.2 points per game. She also tied for second in the ACAC with 1.7 blocks per game and ranked fourth with 9.8 rebounds per game. Thibeaux became the fastest player in ACAC history to reach 1,000 career points. Her incredible season also featured 11 double-doubles. "Brittney had a historical season in the ACAC," said Mai-Anh Nguyen, CCAA Women's Basketball Convenor. "Her numbers are astounding, and she'll be a player to watch this week at CCAA Nationals."
Thibeaux is the first Bronco to be named CCAA Player of the Year since Jylisa Williams in 2012-13, also in women's basketball. The Broncos co-captain has been a force since her arrival at Olds College. Her eternally positive attitude has serves as inspiration for her teammates. She has quickly earned the respect of her teammates and opponents alike in the ACAC. Thibeaux is actively involved as a coach for the Broncos back-to-school skills camp during the first semester. Her coaching also extends to junior high, where she works with 120 kids in divisional skills camps. Along with her teammates, Thibeaux also participates in reading sessions with students at Olds Elementary School.
"Brittney is an outstanding student-athlete who comes prepared to compete in every practice and in every game," said Linda Henderson, Athletic Director at Olds College. "Her poise, dedication and determination to lead her team is what makes her recognition so inspiring."
CCAA Player of the Year recipients receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA Championship Awards Banquet. Other nominees for the CCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year award were Rachel Beauchamp of the Douglas Royals (PACWEST), Chuot Angou of the Fanshawe Falcons (OCAA), Donna Ophombo Ntambue of the Nomades de Montmorency (RSEQ) and Maria Carroll of the MSVU Mystics (ACAA).
