The BC Junior Grizzlies claimed gold at the 2025 Junior West Wheelchair Basketball Championship, from March 28 to 30, emerging victorious in a six-team tournament held in Calgary, Alta.
Among the standout players was Elise Froese, a 2023 Pacific Christian School graduate who earned a spot on the tournament All-Star team.
The 18-year-old was thrilled to reunite with her teammates for the first tournament in nearly two years.
"The energy was really high," she recalled. "We were all super excited, a bit nervous, but more than anything, we just wanted to play some great basketball."
Elise hit the ground running, scoring 20 points in just 12 minutes during their opening game against Alberta Blue, which ended in a 24-14 victory.
The Grizzlies followed up with a dominant performance, doubling Manitoba 39-18, before defeating Saskatchewan 40-16, the BC Orcas 34-9, and Alberta White 42-16, completing a perfect group stage. They outscored their opponents 179-73 across those games.
Momentum continued into the semifinals, where they ousted Alberta White again, 28-11, before sealing their gold medal run with a 28-21 victory over Manitoba. Froese contributed six points in the championship game.
Her love for wheelchair basketball began at age 12, following an accident that limited her ability to play stand-up basketball and volleyball.
"When I found wheelchair basketball, I just fell in love with it," she said. "The first time I sat in the chair, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. There was another guy at my school who played wheelchair basketball, and he took me under his wing. He's been a great mentor."
Being named an All-Star at the Junior West Championship was an unexpected honour for Elise.
"I didn’t think I’d be named an All-Star," she admitted. "I always remember seeing other players get honoured with All-Star awards, and always thought how cool it would be to get one. Now it was my time. It felt so special."
Elise’s playing style blends post play and rebounding.
"I try to make myself a big threat, especially in the post," she said. "Getting those rebounds and doing the little things to help my team – that’s my focus."
Froese has had a decorated career thus far, winning several championships, including gold with Team BC at the 2023 Canada Winter Games and the 2022 Junior Nationals in Charlottetown, PEI.
Looking to the future, Elise has her sights set on the 2026 Junior Nationals, the Canada Games, and vying for a spot on the 2028 Canadian Paralympic team.
"I'm aiming for LA 2028," she said. "That’s my big goal. I want to be on that Paralympic stage with the best of the best."
Froese says that she looks up to Kady Dandeneau, a member of the Canadian Paralympic basketball team, whom she calls her "favourite player." While playing on the big stage would be a dream in itself, playing with Dandeneau would be the cherry on top.
"Kady's leadership and skill have always inspired me. Her ability to lead by example and her drive to push her team forward really motivates me," Froese said. "I really hope to get to play with her in Los Angeles in 2028."
Beyond her basketball career, Elise is currently studying at Summit Pacific College in Abbotsford, with plans to transfer to a university in the United States next year to focus more on her basketball journey.
