Heather Lindsay represented the Ravens in the ninth annual Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Women’s Basketball All-Star game that took place at Queen’s University in front of a packed crowd on May 14.
Lindsay, a third-year environmental studies major, was one of the most accomplished players in the 2015-16 season. The forward averaged a double-double per game, ranking second in the OUA with 10.5 rebounds per game and fifth with 15.9 points per game. Per 40 minutes, Lindsay averaged 25.5 points per game, which led the conference.
Lindsay, nicknamed the “Heathersarus” by coach Taffe Charles for her impressive performance, put up big numbers in the All-Star game. In just 17 minutes, Lindsay had six points and led the team with eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
Her performance was instrumental in leading Team Sparks over Team Clarke 77-57. Lindsay was the sole Raven named to the game, although Elizabeth Leblanc was named a second team All-Star during the regular season.
“I was very honoured to represent Carleton at this year’s All-Star game. That being said, I do believe that any of my teammates would have done a great job in representing the school and I am proud to be the one that was chosen to do so.” Lindsay said.
Charles said Lindsay is extremely humble and focuses on team success over individual accolades.
“We play a team sport, and when you play a team sport you’re not really focused on the individuals,” Charles said. “The individuals who got those rewards . . . would be the first to tell you that they can’t do what they do without the team.”
The Ravens didn’t have the success in the playoffs this year that they thought they should have, which is something Lindsay said motivates both the players and coaches going forward.
“Its hard to explain the importance of events like [the All-Star game] but I hope that my attendance not only motivates me to return, but will motivate my teammates to set high goals with the idea that they will be recognized for their hard work in the end.” Lindsay said.
Charles urges other players to look at the work Lindsay put in during both the offseason and regular season as an example.
“We need more people to make that jump, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” Charles said. “The more people we have recognized for their hard work, hopefully we can get more kids to understand what it takes to make it to the next level.”
