The Women's Basketball team is yet another that will enter the upcoming season with a lot of excitement surrounding it as Hali Burns begins her first OCAA season as head coach. Burns is as decorated as they come in regards to competing in the OCAA and found success at the national level while playing with Sheridan.

Burns is looking to carry that success into her college coaching career and is already looking ahead to her first season as she's wrapped up her first recruiting class at Mohawk. Burns bolstered her backcourt with addition of several guards and a pair of forwards.

"Mohawk Women's Basketball is excited about the addition of these six exceptional student-athletes coming in September. This young group of athletes is extremely talented, hardworking and ready to compete at the collegiate level," says Burns of her first recruiting class in the orange and black. "All of our incoming athletes bring something different to the program that will add to the continued success of Women's Basketball program at Mohawk."

Here's everything you need about know about six of the newest Mountaineers:

Seretta Goulbourne

High School: Cathedral High School
Club Team: Blessed Sacrament, 21 Hoops
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: Guard
Program of Study: Bachelors of Digital Health Degree

Why did you choose Mohawk? 
"I chose Mohawk because of the great new coaching staff and my brand-new program, Bachelors of Digital Health Degree. I have the privilege of having a fresh start right in my home town and am looking forward to being a Mountaineer."

Coach Burns' Comments: "Seretta is a hard-working athlete who is always looking for ways to improve her game.  Seretta is a very quick guard who has great ball handling abilities, is a consistent finisher at the rim and has a mid-range game that will prove to be an asset to our basketball program."

Asha Brown

High School: Bluevale Collegiate
Club Team: KW Vipers
Height: 6-foot-1
Position: Forward/Centre
Program of Study: Paralegal

Why did you choose Mohawk?
"I loved what coach Hali had to say about Mohawk and the Mountaineers. I was welcomed by team members before I had even decided and it just gave me a great sense of community.  I am looking forward to exploring Mohawk."

Coach Burns' Comments: Asha's rebounding and rim protecting abilities will be an asset for the Mohawk Women's Basketball program.  Asha also brings strength at the forward and centre positions with her abilities to finish at the rim, shoot the basketball and attack the basket. We look forward to Asha putting on a Mohawk College uniform and showcasing her abilities in continuing the success of our program.

Alina Dineley

High School: Orangeville District S.S. 
Club Team: Woodbridge Lions
Height: 5-foot-3
Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard
Program of Study: General Business

Why did you choose Mohawk?
"My reasoning for choosing Mohawk was primarily because of the Athletics program and the success it has had. I felt really motivated to play basketball here and learn from the coaching staff, while experiencing a higher level of play. I also decided to choose Mohawk because of the wide variety of programs, specifically in the business sector, my chosen field of study. I am very excited to start this journey with Mohawk and work hard in athletics as well as in my program."

Coach Burns' Comments: "Alina will bring strength in scoring to the women's basketball program.  She is able to get to the rim and is also a consistent shooter. Alina has a strong work ethic and will help to continue the success of the women's basketball program."

Celina Chung

High School: Saint Thomas Aquinas
Club Team: Saints Basketball
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: Shooting Guard/Wing
Program of Study: Child and Youth Care

Why did you choose Mohawk?
"I chose Mohawk College because I thought the Women's Basketball program would be a good fit for me."

Coach Burns' Comments: "Celina is a versatile shooting guard/wing who can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. Celina extends the defence with her three-point shot and brings strength to the Mohawk Women's Basketball team with her rebounding ability."

Josie Hayward

High School: Centre Wellington District High School
Club Team: Centre Wellington Celtics
Height: 5-foot-9
Position: Shooting Guard/Wing
Program of Study: Health, Wellness and Fitness

Why did you choose Mohawk?
"I chose Mohawk not only because of the great Health, Wellness and Fitness program which will help me excel further into a sports medical related field, but also the great positive and encouraging atmosphere the women's basketball team will have to offer. The program relates to my knowledge and ability to be physically literate as well as helping others in the process.  I love to interact and talk to people and I believe the course will be perfect in aiding my communication skills too.  I believe the Mohawk Mountaineers basketball team will help me build strong connections which I will carry throughout the rest of my life and will encourage me to translate important life and learning skills on and off the court."

Coach Burns' Comments: "Josie is a quick guard who uses her speed and strength to her advantage. She is a great defender and an overall standout athlete who will prove to be an asset to our women's basketball program."

Donna-Marie Borja

High School: St. Mary's High School
Club Team: Supreme Hoops Canada 18U Girls
Height: 5-foot-2
Position: Point Guard
Program of Study: Police Foundations 

Why did you choose Mohawk?
"I chose to attend Mohawk College because the course I want to take is provided and I can see myself playing basketball with the other girls there. It seems like a safe and fun environment. Mohawk will be my home away from home. I will have lots of support around me, as I have relatives within driving distance of Mohawk. Another reason I chose to attend Mohawk is the head coach. I have talked and had zoom meetings with Coach Hali, and I can say with certainty that she is a nice person that cares and wants the best from her players. I also thought we made a connection from the very first Zoom conversation. She is very welcoming and I feel that I will have a good experience playing for her. I'm looking forward to playing for Coach Burns and representing the Mountaineers well on and off the court."

Coach Burns' Comments: "Donna-Marie is a floor general who can control the tempo of the game! She is great at getting into the paint and reading the defence. Donna-Marie will make a big impact on the defensive end of the floor for Mohawk!"