WolfPack Women's Hoopsters Sign Another Top BC Prospect

Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Women’s coach Scott Reeves has been able to secure another highly regarded recruit.  Port Moody’s Tracy Kocs is the latest to decide Kamloops and TRU is the place she wants to not only play basketball but get an education as well.

“This feels great,” says the  6 foot wing.  “I like it that it’s a new school that is building their basketball program. I’m looking forward to that.”

“I’ve known her since she was in grade 10 and from when  we played them with my Brookswood team,” says Reeves (who earlier secured Team BC players Diane Schuetze (Vernon) and  Jessica Franz (Surrey) along with Brianna Pound (Kamloops)).  “Even in grade 10 we had to pay attention to her. She is  certainly one of the top recruits coming out of BC High school this season."

Last December, Kocs (pronounced Cokes) was named the MVP of the annual HSBC tournament. Going along with that honour was the offer of a 4 year scholarship at either; SFU, UBC, U Vic, Trinity Western or Thompson Rivers.  Kocs, who wants to become a high school teacher/coach or counsellor, said TRU was her first choice. 

“I’ve heard about the recent signings. It’s really exciting.  I know TRU has skilled returning players and I think the new recruits will compliment their play.”  

Kocs’ role model is her current coach and former National team player Alex Devlin. 

“I would not be the player or the person I am today. I’m grateful for everything he has done for me.”  

Devlin is equally as gracious.  “She is an incredibly competitive player.  She can slash to the hoop and she can hit from the outside.  She’s the alltime career scoring leader at Port Moody.  In my opinion, Tracy has tremendous potential to be a major contributor from her first year.”

Port Moody has produced Leanne Evans (UBC) and Megan Pinske that have gone on to play in the national program.  Devlin, like many other in the B.C. Basketball community believes that Kocs is the most valuable player in provincial senior girls basketball this year.

Kocs will have many friends on the WolfPack roster. Not only has she played against Franz and Schuetze, but  forward Michelle Dimond (the Pack’s leading rebounder this season) played three years with her at Port Moody. 

“She sees the ball very well and gets the ball to the open player. In the backcourt she is a very quick defender  and has the ability to read and steal balls,” says Dimond of one of her closest friends. She believes that friendship will translate into a good chemistry on the court next season.

It’s been hard to wipe the grin off Scott Reeves’ face these days.  The improvement of his young team down the stretch this year, coupled with the fruits of his recruiting drive point to a leap up the Canada West standings in 2008-09.  He, like many others, can’t wait for the arrival of Tracy Kocs.  No pressure on her but as her current coach says “by the time her career at TRU is finished, her name will be attached to many school records.”