The Algoma Thunderbird women’s and men’s basketball programs are set to open their 2025–2026 OUA basketball season on Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th, when they host the visiting Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks at the George Leach Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Head coaches Katie Hamilton and Ryan Vetrie shared their thoughts and excitement about their respective teams and the season ahead.
For the Thunderbird women, experience and depth will be key strengths this year. With a strong core of returning players and a group of new athletes adapting quickly to the team’s system, the roster looks poised for growth and balance. “Having four athletes that have been with me now for three years and nine student-athletes back from last year’s team really gives us a strong nucleus,” said Coach Hamilton. “We’ve been able to really focus on basketball and preparation, which has been nice.” The team’s new approach emphasizes sharing the ball, cohesive team play, and offensive versatility. To compete consistently, the Thunderbirds will focus on protecting the ball, hitting shots, and rebounding as a group.
Depth will also play a pivotal role in the women’s success. Coach Hamilton plans to showcase a ten-player rotation this weekend, a significant improvement from previous seasons. “The key to success in USports is who’s coming off the bench and what they can produce,” she explained. “Whether it’s ten or twenty minutes a game, those players can make a huge difference.” The Thunderbirds’ deeper lineup and renewed team chemistry could make them one of the most competitive Algoma squads in recent years.
On the men’s side, Coach Ryan Vetrie’s focus is on building continuity, chemistry, and competitiveness with a roster featuring several new faces. While the team doesn’t return many veterans, Vetrie believes the combination of returning leaders and versatile newcomers will give the Thunderbirds a faster offensive pace and a more aggressive defensive identity. “Every game counts, every matchup counts,” said Vetrie. “We’ll look to build momentum as early as possible, especially when we are playing here in the Sault.” The men’s team will emphasize adapting to different OUA playing styles, focusing on defensive toughness and execution each weekend as they aim to grow stronger throughout the season.
As both Thunderbird programs prepare to take the court, excitement is building in the Sault for what promises to be an action-packed season of university basketball. Fans can stay connected all year long with “Coaches Corner” every Wednesday during the 2025–2026 Algoma Thunderbird basketball season, offering insight, updates, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from both coaching staffs.
