Bosch and Crozon ready for their shot at Paris Olympics
By Lethbridge Herald on July 23, 2024.
Kacie Bosch, center, of Canada dribbles past defense of the Netherlands during a women's 3x3 basketball match of FIBA Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Utsunomiya, north of Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)Justin Seward – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – sports@lethbridgeherald.com
Local Kacie Bosch and fellow University of Lethbridge Pronghorn women’s basketball assistant coach Paige Crozon will be chasing a gold medal at the Paris Olympics as a part of Team Canada’s 3×3 Women’s basketball beginning next week.
Bosch and Crozon will be joined by the Plouffe sisters of Michelle and Katherine.
“It definitely feels a little bit more real,” said Bosch.
“It’s kind of starting to sink in now and it’s super exciting. I can’t believe that it’s happening and I’m so looking forward to competing at the world’s biggest stage.”
The team recently played for the first time together as a team since qualifying for the Olympics in Hungary at a tournament in Edmonton for their women’s series and used that to knock some rust off before setting out to Paris.
The team won the Edmonton tournament.
“I would say that we were very happy with the tournament that we played,” said Bosch.
“A lot of it was making sure that we maybe got our defence a little bit more crisp.”
Offensively, Bosch thought Canada found the looks they are hoping for in Paris.
Canada will look to find their confidence throughout their defensive strategies.
“And making sure that we get practice in maybe some of the switches or under ball screens that we don’t normally do as our defaults,” said Bosch.
“But being able to really mix up the defences when we get to Paris, so that the teams that we play won’t just have one look to try (and) come back.”
The Canadian women’s 3×3 team failed to qualify in the first tournament in Japan and then had to win the third-place game at the second tournament in Hungary to qualify for Paris, in which they did.
“We’ve had so many games where it’s been do or die and I think having those experiences with the games with a lot of pressure,” said Bosch.
“Not many other teams have had those experiences. So I think coming into Paris, we’ll be a lot better able to manage our emotions and nerves in dire times.”
Bosch spoke about not letting the off-court distractions get to them.
“I think when we’re able to bounce off each other, and make each other laugh, and find joy in those little moments when it’s just us four before the games start, that makes a huge difference,” said Bosch.
“We always take a deep breath before we run out and they introduce our names. So making sure we soak in those moments and know that it’s about us four and really refocus when we do start to feel the nerves or the pressure.”
Her hope is to catch the other Lethbridge athletes in competition.
21-20
Fans of sports should rejoice because Bosch and Crozon are getting ready to compete in the Olympics in Paris! After extensive training, both athletes are more than prepared to display their abilities on this esteemed international platform. Their commitment and diligence have been incredibly motivating, and it’s exciting to see them have this chance. I’m excited to watch how they perform and am following their trip with great anticipation. Wishing Bosch and Crozon the best of success, I’m sure they’ll make us all proud in the Olympics in Paris.
The news that Bosch and Crozon are preparing for their Olympic debut in Paris makes me very happy! It has been motivating to watch them practice and be ready, and I can’t wait to watch them compete internationally. Their performances show how committed and hardworking they are, and I think they have a tremendous chance to succeed in Paris. It’s great to watch athletes reach new heights and proudly represent their nations. I’ll be rooting for them and hope they fulfill their Olympic aspirations. Here’s to Bosch and Crozon having an amazing and prosperous trip.