Ariane Saumure may be a bit more of a thorn in the side of her hometown university team next year.
Following a highly successful four year career with the Western University Mustangs, where she was twice named OUA Defensive Player of the Year, the graduate of Ecole secondaire Macdonald-Cartier is taking her show to the Central Division where the Laurentian Voyageurs reside.
Opting to add graduate studies to her academic resume, Saumure has enrolled in the Masters of Education program at the University of Ottawa, joining the same Gee Gees program that her mother (Renée Wilson) once toiled for.
"Originally what I was hoping for was the straight and narrow line, to graduate and get into med school," said Saumure, who recently joined an impressive cast of women's pick-up basketball talent at the Ben Avery Gym.
"I never really thought about Plan B. But I have always loved Ottawa and it kind of called my name. I am just going to go in and enjoy playing for at least another year of my two years of eligibility."
And with the Gee Gees moving one step further than the Mustangs did in post-season play last winter, there remains hope that a playoff run could still be in the cards for this talented multi-sport athlete who also excelled at soccer, cross-country and track and field in high-school.
"I think this will be a really good change," said Saumure. "It kind of scares me. I played at Western for four years; loved the team, loved the girls, loved the coach - but I did feel where I needed a change."
"I was at that point in my life."
"Ottawa is a very good team and I am super excited to join their core."
Last week, however, Saumure joined a collection of talent that included much of the Laurentian women's team along with Delaney Bourget (McMaster), Dylann Mazzuchin (Laurier) and Samantha Cooper (professional basketball - Europe).
"It's just nice to come out and play, play freely," said Saumure. "It really is just for fun and that's the beauty of it. You get in shape and get to play the game you love with no expectations."
