LARRY READ
TRU Athletics
KAMLOOPS – Attending Thompson Rivers University to get a bachelor of science degree and play basketball is a tradition in the Rouault family of Vernon.
A third member of the Rouaults has committed to TRU and playing basketball for the 2017-18 season. But this time it’s with the WolfPack women’s program.
Head coach Scott Reeves has announced that 5-foot-8 guard Megan Rouault will join his program effective this September after she graduates from Vernon Secondary School.
Two of Megan’s older brothers: Brett (2010-15) and Michael (2015-present) are either currently or have went to TRU and are/were part of the Thompson Rivers men’s program.
“They both had major influences on me coming here and on my development as a player,” said Megan. “I think I am more like Brett than Mike. We are both shooters while Mike is more of a ‘driving guy’. But I am left handed which is different.”
Rouault believes that she will have an opportunity to battle for playing time in her first year.
“It is great that I will have a chance to make a contribution right away. I think shooting, defence and the ability to drive whenever I want are my main strengths.”
Rouault is a multi-sport athlete as she played volleyball in high school as well.
Older brother Brett has this assessment of his sister: “She is a great three point shooter like her best brother (me),” he laughed. “She plays the guard position and therefore has a lot more finesse to her game than that big clunky post (Michael). Megan and Michael have a freakishly similiar vertical jump ability. I am not sure how that happened.”
Said Michael: “I think it is really cool to have our family playing at TRU for so long and making an impact. I agree with Brett that she plays more like him (being a shooter).”
Possessing the same wit as his brother, Michael adds: “Most of my moves are too sophisticated for her.”
On a serious note though, he added: “She should do just fine at the university level. Obviously, it will take a bit of time to adjust to playing against bigger, stronger, more skilled competition but she is a quick learner and she should be alright.”
Lonny Mazurak is the head coach at VSS and has coached Megan the past two years.
“She also possesses mental and physical toughness, the ability to score in a variety of ways, has excellent leadership skills, has a high basketball IQ and is an intelligent defender,” said Mazurak. “She is fearless, a fierce competitor, not afraid to take the big shot or drawing the tough defensive assignment. She is selfless and a true team player.”
The Panthers were sixth at the AA provincials last year and are ranked third in the province at this point of the season.
“The player she reminds me most of is Emily Kanester who just broke the UBCO career scoring record,” said Mazurak. “Both players can hurt you in a variety of ways and have highly competitive spirits as well as motors that never stop. TRU has struck gold by signing Megan. Not only is she a great basketball player but also a wonderful person who will fit in nicely and be a key piece in the TRU program for years to come.”
Said Reeves about his latest recruit: “Megan will give us another weapon on the perimeter and will also be able to guard that area and put pressure on the ball to create turnover and advantages for us.”
DOUBLE DRIBBLES: Rouault becomes the fourth VSS grad to play for the WolfPack since Reeves took over the program 11 years ago. She follows in the footsteps of Diane Schuetze (who was a CIS All Rookie Team and second team all-star) and sisters Kayla and Karalyn Forsyth. “We have done very well with our recruiting in the Vernon area,” said Reeves. “Diane was our first All-Canadian and first player to play professionally (Australia and Europe). Kayla and Karalyn Forsyth were tremendous leaders for us. Kayla was our first captain when I took over the program. I think Vernon does a great job of not only developing students and athletes but also people.”...Rouault is the third recruit TRU has announced for the 2017-18 season. The others are: Alley Corrado (5-foot-7 guard, Kelowna)and Madison Dickie ( 5-foot-8 wing, Kelowna)...She, Corrado and Dickie played Junior Heat club basketball in Kelowna in the past. “I am excited to be with them for the next five years,” added Rouault...Brother Brett has this anecdote: “I remember when Megan beat our older brother Mitchell in a game of one on one. She was 13 at the time. Mitchell was 18.”