Meet Kelowna’s Female Athlete of the Year

During the City of Kelowna’s Civic and Community Awards, Okanagan Mission Secondary School Senior Girls Basketball Player Kanani Coon was named Kelowna’s Female Athlete of the Year.

As one of the top female high school basketball players in Canada, she was selected to play in the Canletes All-Canadian All-Star game in Toronto and was also chosen to represent BC in the North American Indigenous Games as a member of the Enoch Cree Nation and the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation.

She was also awarded the Premier’s Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.

Next season she will play for the University of California-Santa Barbara in the NCAA studying Law.

Kelowna10 caught up with Coon who’s in her senior year at OKM.

What did it mean for you to win Kelowna’s Female Athlete of the Year?

“It meant a lot. I mean, it was really cool. I went up against one of my favorite players, Taya Hanson. I've looked up to her ever since I was in Grade 7. So, just being put the same category as her was such an honor.”

It’s no surprise you had all these offers, how many did you get? And why did you choose UC-SB?

“I would say I had roughly 15 offers. I picked UC-SB because the area is really pretty, it's by the ocean, I visited the campus, and the coaches and the players were all great. They matched who I feel like I am. I really see myself there and definitely the opportunity I’m going to get. That was one of the bigger things."

Describe your senior season, what’s been some of the highlights?

“This season was big for me. Last year it was a lot different. We had a lot more seniors, so this year was a completely different team. I mean, it was good for me and the other senior, Maya Sandhu. She's my best friend. We were the leaders of the team this year. And yeah, it was a lot of fun. It meant a lot.”

How have you handled being an Indigenous role model?

“I'm extremely humbled about it. The past two years it's definitely been a big thing of mine, especially going to the States, getting that exposure and chance. One of the biggest tournaments for sure, the Junior All Native Tournament. That's where everyone is, that's where all the tribes gather. It's a lot of fun and I'm really happy people are able to look up at me.”

What are some things you’ll need to adjust in your game when it comes to playing Division 1 in the NCAA?

“I would definitely say being more physical, especially down low. They're all going to be strong. So that's going to be one of the things I've got to adjust.”

What’s been the secret to your success?

“I would say my confidence is my biggest thing. The past couple of years I’ve seen myself as a scorer. I play good defense too, blocking shots. But I would say my most dominant thing is being a scorer.”

What are your goals for next season?

“I would say keeping going with my confidence. Taking it from here to the United States, I know it's going to be a lot different, a lot more physical, that’s going to be one of the biggest things. Another thing mentally is I know I'm going to be away from home. I mean, the last time I did that was when I was in Grade 10, when I went down to Toronto for prep school. So, I know it’s going to be an adjustment but I’m excited.”