The Algoma Women’s Basketball program announced on Tuesday, June 1st the commitment of Saultite Mercedes Mazzuca. Mercedes is a 5’5 guard who attended St Mary’s College.

Mercedes will be enrolled in the four year Business Administration Program.

Mercedes had quite the high school basketball career earning numerous awards including: Rookie of the year in 2018, Coaches award in 2019, Team MVP in 2019 and the League Referees Award in 2020. Along with basketball she likes to play piano and guitar in her spare time..

“We are excited Mercedes decided to stay home and chose Algoma U. She will have the support here in the Sault and will get a great education here at Algoma. Mercedes will have the opportunity to learn from our veteran guards helping her development as a player and what it takes to play at this level. She has the speed and athleticism and now it’s about tuning up on all the fundamentals and advancing some of the skills she already has” said Head Coach Ryan Vetrie.

Coach Vetrie added: “It’s great to have a Jr. Thunderbird player reach the varsity level. As the program continues we hope to have more players coming through. A ton of her development came through her high school teams and coaches where she was able to be a top player in the Sault. Mercedes ultimately put in the work to achieve this opportunity and I believe she has the dedication and work ethic in order to continue to grow as a player as she makes this step to U Sports.”

Here’s what Mercedes had to say about attending Algoma University and her commitment to the Women’s Basketball Program: “I chose Algoma University because it felt the most home to me. I met coach Vetrie in grade four, when I first started playing basketball for Algoma Junior Thunderbirds, only imagining that one day I would play on his team at the varsity level. I feel that the coaching staff and players have pushed me to the best of my athletic abilities throughout this recruitment process, and will continue to teach me more about the game of basketball. Thank you to my parents, family, past coaches and especially my father, Dr. Dino Mazzuca, who have helped me achieve my goal of playing basketball at the University level.”

Source: Algoma Thunderbird Athletics