For the first time in school history, the St. Mary’s University Lightning women’s basketball team has secured a spot in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Final. This monumental achievement underscores the team’s resilience and determination, especially considering the university’s modest enrollment and the absence of a dedicated gymnasium— a challenge they’ve embraced with their #NoGymNoProblem mantra.
The Lightning’s path to the championship began on March 12, 2025, with a commanding 82-67 victory over the Mount Saint Vincent Mystics, champions of the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA). Leading the charge, Maitlynn Miller delivered an impressive double-double, amassing 27 points and 10 rebounds. Teammates Kendal Russell and Adit Deng each added 18 points, contributing significantly to the win.
In the National Semi-Final on March 13, 2025, the Lightning faced the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) champions, the Mohawk Mountaineers. In a tightly contested game, the Lightning emerged victorious with a 65-57 win. Jazmyn Kellogg was instrumental in this success, delivering a standout performance with 30 points.
The championship game is set for Saturday, March 15, at 7:00 PM Atlantic / 4:00 PM Mountain, where the Lightning will compete against the Columbia Bible College (CBC) Bearcats from the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PacWest). Fans can tune in to ccaalive.ca to witness this historic moment as the Lightning aim to defy the odds once more.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Nathan Ruff, St. Mary’s University Athletics Director, remarked, “Our team’s perseverance and commitment have been truly inspiring. Overcoming challenges both on and off the court, they’ve exemplified the spirit of St. Mary’s University. We’re immensely proud of their accomplishments and eagerly anticipate the championship game.”
Maitlynn Miller Named CCAA Player of the Year
In addition to the team’s success, senior guard Maitlynn Miller has been honored as the 2025 CCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. Miller’s stellar performance this season includes ranking second in both scoring and rebounding within the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), and leading in steals and assists. Her dominance on both ends of the court is evident, as she averaged 34.6 minutes per game. Beyond her athletic prowess, Miller maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA in her Bachelor of Education program, exemplifying the balance of academic and athletic excellence. Her leadership has been pivotal in guiding St. Mary’s to a 16-5 league record and securing a second-place finish in the ACAC South Conference.