FORMER ST. LAWRENCE COACH INDUCTED INTO CANADA BASKETBALL HOF

KINGSTON, Ont. - Former St. Lawrence Vikings women's basketball head coach Andrea Blackwell has been named as one of three athletes that will be inducted into the Canada Basketball Hall of Fame. The induction for Andrea caps off what can only be described as impressive career that includes several national championships, over 17 years of international experience, numerous individual awards, and induction into the Bishop's University RBC Wall of Distinction in 1998, the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, and Ontario Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

"It certainly came as quiet a surprise to me," Andrea said in regards to receiving the call from Canada Basketball. "It goes without saying that I am really honored to be included into the Canada Basketball Hall of Fame. This will be something that I cherish for a very long time."

Andrea received national attention within two years of just starting to play basketball. At the age of 15, she was added to the junior national team. One year later, she was named to the senior national team. During the same time, Andrea attended Bishop's University leading them to back-to-back national championships in 1982-83 and 1983-84. She also received back-to-back Athlete of the Year Awards from Bishop's during the two championship victories, and was named Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (CIAU) all-Canadian, three times.

Internationally, Andrea played for professional basketball leagues in Italy, Belgium, and Greece. Her major international accomplishments include four World Championships, and two Olympic Games (1984 and 1996) that featured a fourth-place finish at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. For a career, Andrea would total over 17 years of international basketball experience.

In 2007, Andrea joined St. Lawrence College as head coach of the women's basketball program and was quickly recognized for her success in improving the program, being named Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA) Coach of the Year in 2008-09.

Regarding recognizing some of the people that have helped push her to achieve this success, Andrea mentioned her parents and family for supporting her right from the beginning.

"I've had so many people along the way that have helped me achieve the success that I have had. I'd like to thank my parents and family for all of their support throughout my career. They were a big part of my accomplishments."

"If I had to narrow it down and name someone, my coaches at LaSalle Secondary School, Doug Fraser and Gail Buckner were phenomenal coaches. They always preached to me what is required to be a great athlete, and to always pursue my dreams. And those were the words that I lived by throughout my career."

Andrea will be inducted during a formal ceremony, along with Bill Coulthard and Candace Jirik. The date and location of the ceremony will be confirmed at a later time.

Source: St. Lawrence College