Pronghorns ringette awarded University Challenge Cup

By Lethbridge Herald on May 23, 2024.

Trina Lanigan Photo The Horns' Francesca Teskey is seen here in action during a game. U of L was awarded the Unversity Challenge Cup.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns ringette team will welcome 16 university teams from across the country for the 2024 University Challenge Cup this December, as per Wednesday’s announcement.

It will be the first time that the U of L’s ringette program will host this event.

“I haven’t had the chance to go to one of these events but every time I meet with our coaches following it, they rave about the experience there and so we’re really looking forward to bringing this event to Lethbridge,” said Spencer Pommells, director of Pronghorn Athletics.

“This is a great opportunity for Lethbridge ringette players to see firsthand how they can combine the sport they love with a post-secondary education under the Pronghorn banner,” said Horns head coach Sue Stevenson, in a press release.

The Horns have won three silver and two bronze at past UCCs.

“Our team is definitely looking to produce another medal,” said Stevenson during Wednesday’s Zoom meet.

“We have had a lot of success in past years and our team continues to build on that and we’re very, very excited.”

Stevenson sees this event giving exposure at the post-secondary level.

“There’s a lot of athletes within Alberta, Saskatchewan  and B.C. who have shown interest in potentially coming to university specifically to play ringette at this high level,” said Stevenson.

“So I think that with it  being hosted out in our area, it’ll just bring more exposure to the provinces around us for those students wanting to participate at a higher level.”

Third-year Horns player Francesca Teskey wants to bring a similar environment to that  of the past couple of years at the  event.

“Everyone is so welcoming and so passionate about the sport and it’s just I want us to be able to bring that,” said Teskey.

“The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns have had a significant impact on our local athletes. Through their summer camps, participation in our conditioning camps and volunteering with local teams, the athletes have become role models for many of our players,” said Lethbridge Ringette Association president Cara Parks.

“ It is exciting for the young athletes to be able to connect one on one with a player of their calibre. It opens their eyes to the possibility of continuing to play during their post-secondary careers. The Pronghorns have helped to elevate the level of play in Lethbridge.” 

Interested volunteers can contact Ellen Leong at esleong@telus.net or Shelley Creaghan at shelleyc@kellyandcreaghan.com.

The University Challenge Cup is  Dec. 26-31 at Cavendish Farms Centre.

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