A student-athlete from Prince Edward Island is set to elevate her basketball career by attending a university in the upcoming year. Alex Newson has recently committed to State University of New York at Albany, where she will be a part of the Albany Great Danes team. This move marks a significant milestone as Newson is believed to be the first basketball player from P.E.I. to compete in NCAA Division I basketball.
Expressing her excitement, Newson mentioned that hailing from a small province makes this achievement even more special, hoping to inspire other aspiring basketball players, especially young girls. She began playing basketball at the age of five and later relocated to Ontario to attend King’s Christian Collegiate for its competitive basketball program.
Newson’s journey of pursuing her basketball dreams took a significant turn when she joined the team in Ontario, realizing the potential to aim higher. She emphasized the competitive exposure she gained by playing against top Division I and national team players, enhancing her skills and opening doors to showcase her talent for recruitment.
Earlier this year, Newson represented Team P.E.I. as the province’s flag bearer at the Canada Games, where she played on the basketball team, coached by her father, who is a former Canada Games athlete. She credited her parents for their unwavering support throughout her journey, highlighting her mother’s involvement in selecting Albany University due to its favorable environment.
Looking ahead, Newson is eager to embark on her academic journey in biology at the University at Albany while honing her basketball skills. She acknowledged the rarity of the opportunity to play NCAA basketball, particularly as a Canadian athlete, stressing the significance of this achievement for her. Despite aiming to excel on the court and support her team, Newson remains open to various possibilities for her future basketball career.
As she prepares to enter the university for basketball training next summer, Newson is focused on finishing her high school senior year and is enthusiastic about the prospects that lie ahead in her collegiate basketball journey.