Since it was first announced they would tip-off in the newly formed Maritime Women’s Basketball Association, the Moncton Mystics front office has had their hands full with off-court responsibilities.
From establishing a logo to finding uniforms, Mystics owner and director Shannon Parlee, as well as directors Kim Sinclair, Courtney Donovan and Judy Vautour, have started to lay the foundation for the organization.
In an interview with 91.9 The Bend, Parlee said her team was excited to bring this level of basketball to the community and become role models for the next generation of women.
“It’s never really been around after university, that was kinda it, so now there’s something to look forward to and [they can] continue to play high-level basketball for years to follow,” Parlee said.
Last week the Mystics found themselves a highly respected coach to lead them in battle, naming Greg Gould the team’s first bench boss.
Gould has carved himself a lengthy resume that has no shortage of successes, including time with the UPEI Women’s team.
“Greg is second to none in developing and building women’s basketball. He has an impressive resume of nearly 50 years of experience and lots of success, so it was a no-brainer for us to go with Greg as our coach,” Parlee said.
Now, with many of the vital components of a team in place, Parlee said they can turn their attention to finding the right players to suit up in the Mystics’ inaugural season.
The process starts this weekend with the team’s first open gym, which Parlee noted will not be a tryout but rather a chance to “get out and get some shots up.”
Parlee encouraged anyone age 19 or over who is interested in joining the team to sign up for the open gym scheduled for 8-10 p.m. this Saturday at the TH Sports Group and use the opportunity to meet the directors and Coach Gould.
The Moncton Mystics are scheduled to tip-off against the Port City Fog in Saint John on April 21.
