Two years into her basketball career at Grande Prairie Regional College, Athabasca’s Amy Kobzey is already an impact player.
That’s the report from Dave Waknuk, coach of the Grande Prairie Wolves women’s basketball team and the man who recruited Kobzey two years ago.
“She’s been a starter for us,” he noted. “She was a big part of our team last year. She finished the season with a really good second semester, and she’s someone we’ll be leaning on into her third year.”
Kobzey is a forward for the Wolves team, who “became a major force for her team in the second semester. Kobzey’s versatile game was key for the squad, as she became a key contributor on both ends on the floor,” according to the team’s website.
“Amy’s passion and drive are the key traits she possesses that make her a valuable member of the Wolves basketball program.”
Though she was already an elite player during her years with the Edwin Parr Composite senior girls team back home in Athabasca, she has only gotten better as her college career has progressed in Grande Prairie.
“I think she has really grown and developed her game. Things are really coming along for her,” explained Waknuk.
“She’s been right in the forefront since she got here. She’s had some big moments for us that helped us achieve success and get into the playoffs, and become a better team.”
Most athletes give their all during the season, but it’s Kobzey’s commitment to training during the off-season that sets her apart and allows her to take her game to a new level, according to her coach.
“She put a lot of work into the off-season last year and came in in the best condition she could,” he said.
Going into her third year of college basketball, the local product could conceivably play three more years if she has a mind to, with five years of total eligibility to work with.
Whether she is heading into her last season or is just now reaching the halfway point of her college career, she has certainly become the player Waknuk expected her to become when he recruited her from EPC.
“She’s right on track in her development. I knew she had the potential to be that kind of player, and I’m excited to see that,” he said.
“She helps us on both ends. She gets some tough opponents to guard every night, and she always does well.”
With a pair of fellow EPC graduates (Brooke Padlewski and Jackie Elgert) set to join her in Grande Prairie this fall, the school and the team will surely seem even more like home.
