The VIU Mariners will welcome seven other teams in March of 2020 when they host the CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship. (Northfield Photography)

By Dan Marshall

Bring it on

VIU Mariners to host 2020 women’s basketball nationals in Nanaimo

May 31, 2019 | 2:33 PM

NANAIMO — For the second time in six years the VIU Mariners will host the CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship.

Vancouver Island University will host seven other teams from across the country from March 18 to 21, 2020.

Stephanie White, director of high performance sport, recreation and physical literacy, said she’s honoured VIU was chosen to host again.

“I think VIU has done a great job over the years of hosting strong championships that provides a great experience for student athletes and everyone who attends.” _{Stephanie White}

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The Mariners last hosted the Women’s nationals in 2015 and weren’t medal contenders by the end of the competition.

It’s been over 20 years since the last Mariners national title, earned in 1998 when playing under the Malaspina banner.

This time around the Tony Bryce-led squad looks to improve on their impressive 2018-19 season.

VIU won the PACWEST title and finished fourth in the CCAA tournament in Quebec. They were also PACWEST provincial champions in 2013 and 2016.

Hosting Canadian championships is becoming a regular occurence at the university.

In the last 13 years, Vancouver Island University hosted both men and women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, badminton and men’s soccer.

White said every time they host or participate in a national championship they bring back small pieces of information to make their events better.

“We’re always looking at how we make the experience for the student athlete the best experience they can have. It’s a special moment for them. But we also want to show off Nanaimo, the community, and the people of Nanaimo.”

The Mariners will lose three fifth year players in Victoria Brown, Emily Clark, and Emma Platner, but the rest of the roster is eligible to come back for a shot at a national title.

The team takes their first court steps towards the national championship in the fall when they start the PACWEST season.

Though it’s a few months away, White said their athletes are already on the right path.

“With this program we may have started talking about the journey starting the day after (the 2019) nationals,” she said. “In this day and age the preparation really starts the minute you finish the season.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77