Joe Davis’ Full Circle – From WolfPack Player to Coach
Joe Davis is an alumni of TRU WolfPack basketball, who is currently the associate head coach of TRU Women’s Basketball. With his undeniable experience in the game of basketball and love for the WolfPack, the job opportunity seemed like a no brainer to him. Davis was born and raised in Kamloops, and is a graduate of Westsyde secondary. Davis then went onto play U Sport basketball at TRU, then professional basketball on the Pakenham Warriors in Australia, as well as Naxxar Starlites Basketball Club in Malta. Tearing his MCL 6 months into his career in Malta, he was sent back on the next flight to Kamloops. As he is about to step up to the title of head coach of TRU WolfPack women’s basketball team for the 2026-2027 season and beyond, Davis talked about different aspects of making a career out of the sport he loves. Davis reflects on how when one door closes another door opens, and learning to seize the moments in life.
Click to watch Davis’ story and his positive spin on negative things in sport. He gives advice, speaks about the highs and lows within his career, and everything that has led him back to Kamloops, his world spinning around the sport he loves, the school he experienced in the city that he embodies.
Photo submitted by Joe Davis, taken by Kim Anderson, roster photo first year coaching Women’s Basketball at TRU.
TRU as a Community – Raelene and Skylynn
This video highlights the voices and experiences of students at Thompson Rivers University. By going out and speaking directly with TRU students, we gained valuable insight into their perspectives on university life. We asked questions such as why they chose TRU, what program they are currently in, their plans after graduation, and what could make the university feel more like a community.
Many students shared aspirations of starting new careers or continuing to explore different opportunities after completing their studies. When discussing ways to strengthen the sense of community at TRU, a common theme was the desire for more activities and opportunities for involvement, which could help build stronger connections among students.
Creating this interview not only gave us a deeper understanding of what students value and hope for, but also helped us develop our communication skills. Engaging with students in a real-world setting pushed us outside of our comfort zones and allowed us to connect with others in a meaningful way.
Overall, this project emphasizes the importance of listening to student voices and understanding how we can work together to create a more connected and supportive university community.
Raelene Arden, 2026.
Mental heath in cheerleading: the impact of injuries and pressure
For my projected I went to the practice for the TRU cheerleading team, and as I was there, I interviewed about four people, three being cheerleaders and one being the assistant coach which was Maria. With mental heath I feel like sports teams can have a possible effect on it, including injuries that have happened because the thing they love is being taken from them now. What I did in my interview was got a perspective from multiple different people to help give those who don’t think about it a perspective on how sports can be difficult. I asked about two-three people on if there’s enough resources for those who are struggling with mental heath, the reason I asked so many was because I felt like it was good to have different opinions on it because everyone’s answer can either be similar or different. I helped to put together a clear story that had simple but efficient questions, for the people who didn’t struggle with an injury I asked them separate questions than the ones who did suffer from one. i helped to add some noise in the back ground of the practice just to make it sound more realistic and really put a picture to the audio.
TRU cheerleading team taken by Skylynn Meyer/March 11th, 20262
Riley Brinnen’s Return to the Court – Full of Courage and Resilience
Riley Brinnen is a current TRU Men’s Volleyball Assistant Coach and a member of Team Canada Sitting Volleyball, but he has an interesting story of how he got to this point. Riley started playing for the WolfPack in the 2021-2022 season as a middle, but in November of 2023 he was in a life changing car accident, which gave him an incomplete spinal cord injury.
I was able to catch up with Riley in the Tournament Capital Center in Kamloops, BC, where the WolfPack U Sports Teams compete. Riley talked about his new outlook on life and gives advice to athletes that are facing adversity in their athletic careers. Additionally, he talked about his highlights playing on both the TRU WolfPack and on Team Canada, while advising athletes to work harder than they ever have, because you can’t control your future. Click on the podcast to hear a story of resilience, courage and hard work.
There will always be more moments where your experiences will be amazing
Riley Brinnen, 2026
Crossing the Sideline: Tyson Koop’s Final Set
A loud hollow echo that resonates with every squeak of a shoe and every loud strike of a volleyball it a sound that characterizes the TRU gym. Tyson Koop was at the heart of that mayhem for years. He experienced the physical grind, overcoming the intense challenges of someone who gave his all on the court as an experienced athlete for the Men’s WolfPack Volleyball team. Every dive for a ball and huge block contributed to Tyson’s legacy that was built up on dedication and discipline.
Tyson’s journey provides a peaceful knowledge of what it means to close a chapter and start the next one right away, regardless of if you’re a student contemplating what to do or a fellow athlete familiar with the grind. Leaving the court behind means more than just hanging up a jersey; it also means changing one’s identity. Tyson views the discipline he developed in the gym over the last 6 years as having built a bridge for his future. He demonstrates that even though he’s no longer a player on the court, it’s not the end for his volleyball career but rather a turning point on the path to higher heights, showing that the dedication required to compete at the varsity level is much like the fuel required for success in the real world.
Day in the Life of a Student-Athlete
Balancing classes, practices, workouts, games, and sometimes even jobs is all part of the routine for student-athletes. At Thompson Rivers University, members of the TRU WolfPack juggle demanding academic schedules while competing in sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and cheer. But what does a typical day actually look like for them?
In this podcast, I spoke with several WolfPack athletes to get a behind-the-scenes look at their daily lives. From early morning classes and weight-room sessions to late-night studying and game-day routines, they share what it really takes to keep up with both school and sport. They also talk about working part-time jobs, managing their time, and the strategies they use to stay organized. Press play to hear directly from the athletes about the dedication, discipline, and balance required to succeed as a student-athlete.
Maria Banman – What is PACE?
Meaghan Blakely, 2025.
At Thompson Rivers University, student-athletes are expected to perform both on the field and in the classroom. For members of the TRU WolfPack, balancing practices, games, travel, and schoolwork can be challenging. Maria Banman, a student-athlete and PACE leader, says the PACE program helps make that balance possible.
WHAT IS PACE
PACE, which stands for Pack Academic Edge, is an academic support program created specifically for WolfPack student-athletes. “It’s a structured, supportive study environment where student-athletes can work on assignments, connect with other athletes, and receive tutoring from PACE leaders,” Banman explained. Each team has one PACE leader: a fellow student-athlete who helps guide others and often specializes in certain subjects.
GOAL OF PACE
Maria Banman says the goal of the program is simple: “The main goal of PACE is to help student-athletes succeed academically while being part of a WolfPack sports team.” With busy schedules and limited free time, many athletes need a set time and place to focus on school. PACE sessions provide that space and help keep students accountable.
PACE LEADER’S JOB
As a PACE leader, Banman’s job is to create a positive and productive study space. “It’s about supporting and guiding student-athletes,” she said. That might mean sharing study tips, helping break down assignments into smaller steps, or directing teammates to campus resources. She also believes being a leader means setting a good example. “You’re a role model. It’s important to show good habits and that academics are a priority,” she explained.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Academic standards are taken seriously within the WolfPack program. GPA requirements depend on factors like scholarships, year of study, and league, but most student-athletes must maintain around a 65 percent average. “If student-athletes fall below the required GPA, they could lose a scholarship, be placed on academic probation, be required to attend mandatory PACE sessions, lose eligibility, or in severe cases, be removed from the program,” Banman said.
For Banman, PACE is more than just study time. It is a system that helps student-athletes stay on track and succeed in both their sport and their education.
Fran Monreal—U.S. to Canada, Finding a Home at TRU
At just 21 years old, Fan Monreal’s basketball career has taken him on many journeys through multiple different countries and cultures. Originally from Spain, Monreal is now in his third year at college and over the last 4 months has been adjusting to his new life in canada. Before coming to Thompson Rivers University, Monreal spent his time in the United States, where he spent his first year in Missouri and his second in Kansas. Although moving throughout countries due to basketball has become somewhat normal for him, each transition brings new challenges and tribulations he has had to overcome.
Monreal’s Recruitment Journey
Monreal’s recruitment Journey to canada started with a spanish agent who specializes in finding players opportunities in canada. Because of Monreal’s talents, at the end of last season when he was still playing in Kansas, the agent reached out and explained how the canadian university system works and why it could be a good fit for him both athletically and academically. After some thought, Monreal decided to sign with the agent; quickly after came conversations with universities from around Canada. Monreal had many calls with coaches, learning about their programs, teams, expectations, and opportunities.
In the end, the decision came down to finding the overall best fit. After discussions with his family, Monreal decided to sign with Thompson Rivers University because it matched what he was looking for both on and off the court. However, before officially signing with TRU he met multiple times with the head coach of the men’s basketball team and his agent to go over details to ensure they had what he needed to achieve his goals. for Monreal the process wasnt just about choosing a team; it was about choosing the best environment for his future.
Recruitment: USA vs Canada
Monreal noticed a big difference between the recruitment processes in the U.S. and Canada. U.S. recruitment can feel more structured and competitive, with a strong culture around exposure and scouting services. With so many programs and athletes, standing out can be difficult unless players are proactive in promoting themselves.
In Canada, it feels more relationship-based and involves more direct communication with the coaching staff; it made the process feel more straightforward and less stressful. Fran also pointed out that social media like X (Twitter) played a bigger role in the recruitment process in the U.S., with players and coaches using it mostly for communicating and sharing highlights. Overall, while both systems offer great opportunities, the path to getting noticed can feel very different depending on the country.
Joining the Wolfpack
Monreal meantioned how joining the WolfPack didn’t just mean being at a new school and playing with a new team; it meant adapting to a new culture, school, weather, and changes on the court.
However, he says, with the pillars of support he had behind From administrative staff helping with immigration and paperwork to coaches and teammates offering guidance and encouragement, the WolfPack community helped him settle in. Although it’s only been 4 months, the people around him have become more like family than anything else. His teammates helped make the move to canada feel possible and made him feel welcome from the first time he set his foot on the basketball court.
Olena Vasylenko – A Life of Basketball
Olena Vasylenko was born and grew up in Berdyansk, Ukraine. The 24-year-old basketball player has now made her way to Canada and, through trial and tribulation, has made a career out of her beloved sport. Vasylenko started playing basketball when she was eight years old at her school in Berdyansk. On April 6, 2022, she had to flee Ukraine because Russia was invading, but she never wavered on her love for basketball and her passion to make a career out of the sport.
Vasylenko’s Start Up
Vasylenko played on the U16, U18 and U20 Ukrainian national teams, as well as professionally in Germany and Ukraine, before making her way to Canada and debuting for the WolfPack in Kamloops, B.C. As she recalled her first basketball practices at age eight, she expressed feeling a sense of safety playing the sport, where her freedom could be found and she could have self-expression. When she left Ukraine and went to Germany, she started playing at Eigner Angels Nördlingen. By her second year there, she was an assistant coach as well as a head coach on a Regio team, at the same time as playing on the Eigner Angels team. After leaving Nördlingen, she went to Rostock, Germany, to play for the Rostock SeaWolves, as well as coaching the U12 and U16 programs. After spending time in Germany, she wanted to fulfill her dream of playing in Canada, and after some calls with the head coach of TRU women’s basketball, Scott Clark, she was on her way to Kamloops, B.C.
New Opportunities Arise
She landed in Kamloops in August 2025 and played her first season of U Sports basketball for the WolfPack while completing her master’s in education. She plans to reside in Kamloops for three years while completing her master’s degree. Olena has shown what it takes to make a career out of your sport and how your life can revolve around basketball. Every sacrifice she has made has paid off to make her dream come true.
Valuable Advice
When asked what advice she would give to younger athletes wanting to make a career out of their sport, she had plenty of advice. “It’s most important to work as hard as possible, be tough and follow instructions from your coach,” Vasylenko said. She also discussed the importance of being a good teammate, pushing everyone to get better every day and being a supporter of your teammates on and off the court. She explained the importance of confidence in sports and how, if you are not the most skilled on the team, listening to your coaches and being confident in what you do will get you the farthest.
Vasylenko Values Hard Work
Vasylenko has portrayed resilience in its utmost form. Through all the troubles that life has thrown her way, she has kept a sense of hard work and joy in everything she does. With her never-quit and team-first mindset, she has been able to make a career out of the sport that she loves the most, and it has given her the opportunities to see the world.