Lambton College’s Breanna Pretty has been named the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) 2023-24 Female Athlete of the Year, following a historic season for the Lambton Lions women’s basketball team.
“The prestigious award is a testament to Pretty’s exceptional performance throughout the season – and marks yet another historical first for Lambton’s Athletics program,” the college said in a news release.
Pretty, a fourth-year guard/forward, ranked fourth in assists with 62, eighth in steals with 45, and seventh in points with 224. Over the course of 18 games, she averaged 14 points and 6.8 rebounds, leading the Lions to a stellar 14-2 record and a West Division championship.
“Her remarkable season earned her multiple honours, including OCAA Player of the Year, a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian title, West Division Player of the Year, and a West Division First-Team All-Star,” the college added.
In the post-season, Pretty led the Lion’s to a historic gold medal victory over the Algonquin Wolves to secure Lambton’s first-ever OCAA championship in front of a capacity crowd on home court.
Her playoff contributions earned her the Most Valuable Player title for the final tournament.
The Lions’ success continued as they travelled to in Lloydminster, Alberta where they claimed a silver medal at Canadian College Athletics Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball National Championships.
It was the Lion’s first appearance at the National Championships and the first-ever team to bring home a national medal.
Pretty scored a game-high 28 points in the team’s CCAA championship debut and was named a CCAA Championship First-Team All-Star.
She also earned the title of Lambton’s Female Athlete of the Year for the third consecutive year. “Our Women’s Basketball team has truly set a new standard for varsity sports at our College, and for Breanna to become the first Lambton athlete honoured with this award is an exceptional accomplishment,” said President & CEO Rob Kardas. “This award celebrates the highest level of athletic performance and truly exemplifies what it means to be a Lambton Lion – I can’t think of anybody more deserving.”