International professional basketball player Cassandra Brown of Vernon. (Image submitted)

By Kevin Rothwell

Empowering girls through sport

Local pro hosts girls holiday basketball camp

Dec 8, 2022 | 7:30 AM

It’s been quite the ride for local basketball pro Cassandra Brown.

Since graduating from Clarence Fulton Senior Secondary in 2010, basketball has taken her on a journey around the world.

After a standout career at the University of Portland, Brown propelled herself onto the professional basketball scene and hasn’t looked back since. Heading into her eighth season as a pro, the overseas veteran continues to chase her dreams and is hoping to help others chase theirs.

After finishing up her latest season in Australia this summer, Brown, a 6’2 guard, opted to take the European season off and come back home to spend time with family and friends.

Brown connected with local community supporter, On Ouch, owner of The Rice Box, who reached out to her to see if she could help his daughter who hit a road block over the summer.

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“She was struggling with her confidence on the court, and Cassandra came in the picture. Now my daughter is a different kid,” Ouch said “Only a few games into the season, I see a new kid. A kid with a lot of confidence on the floor and talking more on the court and she’s only in grade 9 on the senior team at W.L. Seaton.”

For someone who made a huge positive impact on Ouch’s daughter’s life, he suggested Brown to do the same for other young girls in our community. Ouch convinced Brown to put on a basketball camp over the Christmas break to inspire young girls in the area.

“Young girls in our community really need someone like Brown to look up to, especially at this vulnerable age,” Ouch stated. “Brown has been through it all and her stories can help the girls relate to help build their confidence”.

Before she heads back to Australia for the upcoming spring season, Brown will be hosting a three-day all girls basketball camp over the holidays at the Vernon Christian School. The camp will run from December 27-29 and will be available for girls in grades 5-9.

Brown is passionate about sharing her knowledge of basketball but more importantly, instilling confidence in young female athletes and raising their self esteem.

“It’s bigger than basketball,” Brown said “I want to teach them skills but I also want to build their confidence and make them feel good about themselves.”

Cassandra Brown of Vernon with the Mount Gambier Pioneers of Austrailia’s NBL. (Submitted photo/Instagram)

Brown holds an extensive resume, including Canadian senior women’s national team member, NCAA State Farm 3-point champion, and most recently named MVP of the Australian NBL’s Mount Gambier Pioneers.

Since graduating from the University of Portland in 2015, Brown has played professionally in Greece, Sweden, Poland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Australia and a handful of other countries.

Brown, 30, is not only well decorated on the court, but off the court as well. Hosting clinics in Italy and Australia, counseling at Division 1 and NBA camps, and training local talent during off seasons.

Brown has a lot of experience mentoring the youth. In between her international pursuits and has always remained passionate about empowering youth athletes, in particular, girls.

“I want to show them that if I can do it, they can do it too,” Brown remarked. “If I can inspire even one girl, that’s a win for me.”

For more camp details and sign-up, visit www.cbelitetraining.com.