U of R women’s basketball thriving under new interim coach

The U of R Cougars are embracing a new mindset this season that has kept them unbeaten so far. Jacob Carr reports.

A pair of fifth-year stars are leading the University of Regina Cougars women’s basketball team to a perfect 12–0 record so far in Canada West play.

Jade Belmore paces the Cougars at more than 15 points per game and became the program’s all-time leading scorer in November, surpassing the previous mark of 1,439 points set by Cymone Bernauer. Her backcourt partner, Cara Misskey, entered play Friday just three assists shy of Jana Schweitzer’s school record of 389.

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Both players have benefited from their familiarity with first-year interim head coach Michaela Kleisinger, who spent the previous three seasons as an assistant with the Cougars.

“I think it just makes it that much easier to be able to play every day with Cara, and having Michaela lead us,” said Belmore. “That doesn’t happen very often.”

Kleisinger says she does not take for granted the opportunity to coach two of the most accomplished players in program history during her first year at the helm.

“I never take for granted that I was gifted them in their fifth year in my first year as a head coach,” she said. “Their leadership on and off the floor has been invaluable.”

She added that the transition from assistant to interim head coach has been eased by the strong relationships built with players over the past three years, allowing the team to navigate change together.

Misskey credits Kleisinger with fostering a positive team culture that has translated into success on the court.

“She’s big on team culture and positivity,” Misskey said. “Every single girl enjoys coming to practice and smiling.”

The Cougars are currently ranked fourth in the U Sports national rankings and will look to remain unbeaten this weekend in a two-game road series against the Winnipeg Wesmen (2–10).