Auburn, ME - Kayla Belanger, a standout point guard from Freeport High School, has committed to play women's basketball at CM this fall. Belanger was named All-Conference 2nd Team by the Western Maine Conference (WMC), and participated in the conference Senior All-Star game as well. She led her team in scoring this year, and helped the Falcons reach the Class B South Quarterfinals.
Head Women's Basketball Coach, Andrew Morong, on Belanger, "We think this is a great fit for many reasons. Off the court, the academic piece lines up so well. Our Life Sciences program has opened the door for some of the top female student-athletes to really start looking our way. Kayla is going to be able to challenge herself at a very high level in the classroom, at a great value, and still end up with the degree she wants. How can you beat that?"
He continued, "On the court, Kayla is extremely talented, being able to attack with either hand, and knock down the three. She has a blue collar attitude, and anticipates so well. It helps that she's been playing for Coach (Mike) Hart, who stresses a lot of the same defensive principles that we do here. She's already been playing in a pressure defensive system, and at a fast pace offensively, so that should help with her adjustment to college ball. Kayla is going to help our backcourt become even more dynamic, all while having the confidence and ability to be a leader and communicator."
In addition to her success on the court, Belanger was also named to the WMC All-Academic Team, received the Spanish Excellence and English Excellence awards at Freeport HS, as well the Plummer Citizenship Award, all while earning high honor marks. She will study Life Sciences at CM, with the plan to transfer to the pharmacy program at the University of New England.
According to Belanger, "I chose CM because on my first visit, I was really surprised by what they had to offer. I loved the campus and dorms, and it is still close to home so I can still be with my family. I met a few girls on the team, and while they were reaching out to me I was really drawn in and knew this was a great opportunity to continue my basketball career. One of the biggest reasons why I chose CM, was Coach (Andrew) Morong. I am really looking forward to learning more from him than I already know."
She continued, "Playing in college is going to be even more competitive than high school, and I will have to put in even more time than I already do. I'm excited to become close with my new teammates and learn from them - we've already started connecting. As a high school senior I took on a big leadership role for my team and really learned a lot from it. I think I can bring that experience with me, and even though I'll be just a freshman, I can step up and be a leader on the court, and in the classroom."
