Shauney Fischer Ready to Roar for York Lions
Shauney Fischer with the Windsor Valiants - Submitted Photo
“I was extremely excited that I was being given the opportunity to take my love of the sport to the next level. I was also very grateful that someone had noticed me, it was nice to see that all of my hard work had paid off, and being given an athletic scholarship was just icing on the cake,” Fischer stated about being recruited by York University and receiving an athletic scholarship to play basketball. She will be joined at York by teammate and fellow Wallaceburg productErin Sarapnickas.
Fischer, has been an integral part of the WDSS Tartans high school team over her four year high school career, leading the team to two Kent Championships. Fischer also developed her skills playing for the Basketball Wallaceburg Airhawks before advancing to JUEL basketball this season with the Windsor Valiants.
“The JUEL league was initially created to showcase basketball players who want to play post secondary, and that’s what this league has done for me. One of the biggest eye openers of playing in JUEL with the Windsor Valiant’s was the speed and skill of the league. I really had to step up my game this season to prove I was able to compete with all types of talented athletes.”
Fischer has grown up as one of the tallest players in Chatham-Kent, standing 6’1″ and found the size of other girls in the JUEL league to be one of the biggest challenges she faced this year in Windsor,
“This season also forced me to change up my game under the net because I went from being the biggest post in Chatham-Kent to a decently small post player. This league and team has done so much for me.”
Although this season played a crucial part in reaching the OUA level for Fischer, the positive impact of her time playing for Wallaceburg since the age of 9, wasn’t lost on the young star. In particular, Fischer pointed to coach Janine Day, who she played for as a student at WDSS, as a key influence in her career,
“I have played under many knowledgeable coaches (in Wallaceburg) including Tom Moynihan, Ed Freeburn, Jim and Michelle Finley, and Bill Davis. When I entered WDSS I was placed in the capable hands of Janine Day who raised the expectations and pushed me harder. She is the most outstanding coach I have ever been taught by. Her knowledge and love of the sport has taken my ability to a whole new level.”
Fischer has found success at every level she’s played, a trend she is hoping to continue at the OUA level next season with York,
“Next year I hope to improve my skill and prove that I am capable of playing at the post secondary level.”
For Fischer however, it’s not simply about personal success. As she moves on to York next season, away from youth and high school basketball, and away from Wallaceburg, she will be playing not only for her new team, but also for her town.
“I hope that during my time at York I will be able to play in the OUA playoffs and maybe even win an OUA title. Playing in the CIS playoff would also be an amazing thing. I also hope that during my time at York I will be able to make Wallaceburg proud.”