In just her second year of college basketball, Humboldt's Brianne Hergott is now a Canadian champion.

Hergott and her Lethbridge Kodiaks teammates completed a perfect season on Saturday, March 18, winning the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association National Championship.

The Kodiaks finished the year with a record of 27 wins and no losses, defeating Montreal's Dawson College Blues in the final, 81-57.

"We accomplished what any athlete dreams of. Winning provincials is amazing, but going to nationals and having that number one title is a pretty amazing achievement," explained Hergott of the team's feeling following the title win. "It's a blessing and an honour to have achieved that. We worked so hard for it."

Hergott says that personally, it is a big deal to be a national champion.

"I still haven't processed it and it still hasn't hit me yet. It's definitely a huge achievement, and very important to me."

It is Lethbridge's fourth championship in school history, and the first since 2004.

The 19-year-old graduate of Humboldt Collegiate Institute says that it has been a quick road to having success in the game, having only started six years ago.

"I didn't play basketball until Grade 9 in high school, so for me to achieve this and in only my second year of college basketball, it is amazing. Surreal."

CCAA athletes have five years of eligibility in the game, so Hergott is anticipating returning for three more years.

Once complete, she says she would like to get into coaching to give back to the game.

"I want to help other people develop and achieve their goals, hopes and dreams in basketball."

Hergott draws on her short, but successful experience in the sport to give advice to other athletes hoping to play at the post-secondary level or beyond.

"If you have a goal, or a dream of being a basketball, volleyball, any player, just pursue it. Don't be scared to ask for help. I asked for a lot of help, I didn't even know how to shoot a basketball in Grade 9 and look where I am today."

"Pursue your goals and have a great attitude towards it. You will meet amazing people and have forever memories."

While attending the University of Lethbridge, Hergott is studying Criminal Justice.


You can hear more from Hergott below.