Karissa Kajorinne is a name that our local basketball community is becoming very familiar with. Kajorinne’s varsity basketball career began at Algoma University on the 2012/2013 roster. Her playing career continued over the span of five years. While at Algoma, she obtained a BA in Sociology and a certificate in Human Resources. She then moved on to play her final fifth year of eligibility at Lakehead whilst completing her Bachelors of Education.
Her university basketball career proved to be successful. Winning Athlete of the Year in both 2016 and 2017. In 2017, she finished her season with 542 points. Proving to be a dedicated player on the court, she also proved to be a leader. Not only was she the Captain of her team in her final year, but she assisted with the Jr. Thunderbirds and Basketball Skills Summer Camp programs.
“When entering my post secondary education I never for a moment considered doing it without also being a part of a varsity basketball program. Being a student athlete at this level takes a lot of dedication in many areas as well as the willingness to sacrifice certain things in order to have success in your athletics and academics. I was very fortunate to attend Algoma University where I was able to find so much support in both my athletic and academic endeavors. Algoma is a smaller school and has a very homey atmosphere which I loved and it really felt like I was part of and continue to be a part of that family. I have made lifelong friends through the student athlete journey both at Algoma U and Lakehead U and those experiences and relationships have shaped who I am today – needless to say I am forever grateful to have played post secondary basketball,” says Kajorinne.
Upon finishing her time at Algoma, she then moved on to Lakehead University, where she played alongside Tiffany Reynolds. But after university sport, Karissa notes that the transition was difficult, as basketball plays a huge part in her identity. She continued to be involved in the basketball community in Sault Ste. Marie by becoming the Assistant Coach of our women’s team.
Her former Coach and now colleague, Ryan Vetrie, highlighted Karissa’s transition. “Karissa has been an amazing addition to our coaching staff over the last couple of years and has done a really great job of being a positive role model for our younger players, emulating what it takes to play at a high level. As she makes her way overseas I believe she will continue to do so. It shows student athletes that there are opportunities to play basketball after University. I am not surprised that Karissa got signed, as she still has that competitive drive to play the game. We are very happy that she is able to take this opportunity.”
Recently, Kajorinne participated in the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association (MWBA) along with her former teammate, Tiffany Reynolds. Kajorinne proved to be successful once again, achieving a game point average of 24.6. She led the league with 246 points. The MWBA provides women of high performance the opportunity to participate in a league sport again, and highlights the importance of providing players a chance to continue playing.
Karissa speaks highly of the MWBA and its initiative. “Playing in the MWBA was so much more than I could have ever imagined and gave me so much more than I ever dreamed. It was such a cool feeling to be a part of a team again and competing alongside and against such talented and competitive individuals. I made so many connections both as a player and a coach out in the Maritimes and I couldn’t believe how friendly and hospitable everyone I came across was. I once again was able to create bonds and lifelong friendships that I am so excited about and I look forward to the growth and development of this league. I can never thank everyone who was involved in getting this thing off the ground and running enough because it helped me achieve my dream of playing professional basketball. I also want to give a huge shout out to Tasia McKenna (league commissioner) and her family for being rock stars throughout the whole league – they did so much work to make sure the league was run well and it exceeded all expectations. Tasia was someone I always looked up to (and continue to think is hands down the coolest human being alive) but I hope that through this league we were able to help inspire more young female athletes to chase their dreams.”
After building her skills and expertise in the sport, it is no surprise that Kajorinne has now been signed to play professionally in Portugal in the Liga Betclic Feminina. She is the second female Algoma U Alumni to play in a professional league, following Marlee Ball. This is an amazing opportunity for Kajorinne, and shows student athletes what can be achieved when you continue to put effort towards your sport.
Karissa will be leaving on August 28th to begin the next chapter of her career. Former men’s Head Coach, Thomas Cory, put Kajorinne in contact with an agent in Portugal. With her already impressive record and Cory promoting her skills, Karissa was able to sign with Olivais Futebol Clube in Coimbra Portugal. The season starts in October. For more information and to stay up to date with the league, you can visit https://olivaiscoimbra.clubeo.com/
“Having an opportunity to continue playing is something I have always dreamed of doing so I am very excited that I am able to pursue something that I am so passionate about,” says Kajorinne. “I do want to thank all of my teammates and coaches for the support over the years and for continuing to push me in my athletic conquests. I will miss my Thunderbird family as I have really enjoyed coaching at both the university and club level over the years but I hope to do them proud as I pursue my career overseas.”
