Freshman center Naomi Casteleijn has signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Concordia University in Edmonton, Canada.
The 6’2 power forward played in 29 games this past season for the Dawson Community College Lady Buccaneer Basketball program averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. Naomi is from Breda, Netherlands.
The Lady Bucs had their 3rd straight winning season, finishing this year with an overall record of 18-14, losing in the semi-final game of the Region XIII tournament.
Her new coach, Robbie Valpreda, has had some good success. Concordia Edmonton competes in the ACAC conference in the CCAA. The Lady Thunder program is one of the top 8 programs in the province over the last 3 years and continues to get better provincially and nationally. Last season they finished with a 15-9 record, the year before they were 16-8 and nationally ranked 4 times.
Coach Valpreda commented, “Our program is an excellent place for student-athletes to continue their education through the support of our outstanding professors, and be successful in sports through the guidance of coaches and the support of our athletics program. I look forward to having Naomi be a part of our women's basketball program for the 2019-20 season as she will bring experience and length that is much needed. Naomi also runs the floor well in transition and we want to utilize that in our upcoming season. I want to also thank Coach Romeo for reaching out and bringing Naomi to my attention as I know Coach Romeo has a very successful women's basketball program at Dawson Community College.”
Naomi commented on her new venture, “I am happy to say that my journey continues in Edmonton, Canada at Concordia University. Dawson College has been a home away from home where I have truly been welcomed by my team, coaches and teachers, and of course my Adopt-a-Buc family! It was my first step away from my family, and I am very excited to be able to take the next step towards a degree and a new basketball adventure. Love to all Bucs until we meet again!”