Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – On pace to become the first student-athlete in MacEwan history to win six U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian awards, it's clear Shannon Majeau's commitment to her studies is unmatched.
Her leadership in the classroom helped the Griffins women's basketball team combine for a 3.508 GPA last season, which netted them MacEwan's Academic Team of the Year honour.
Six Academic All-Canadian awards, should she reach that standard with her studies in her final season in 2022-23, would be a feat few, if any, will ever match.
Most only get a crack at five, but due to the pandemic cancelling the 2020-21 season, athletes received a year of eligibility back, allowing Majeau to play her fifth season as an athlete in her sixth year as a student at MacEwan.
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— MacEwan Griffins (@MacEwanGriffins) November 3, 2022
On pace to become @MacEwanU's first six-time @USPORTSca Academic All-Canadian, captain Shannon Majeau leads @MacewanBasketb1 into home-opening set vs @UFVCascades (FRI, 6 PM & SAT, 2 PM, both Atkinson Gym, @CanadaWest TV)#GriffNation
STORY➡️https://t.co/WcpzTrqm2v pic.twitter.com/hr7SRSDrWH
"Six years is a big commitment and we're very fortunate she was able to adjust some of her academics so she could be here through the COVID year and finish out her eligibility," said Griffins women's basketball head coach Katherine Adams. "I can't say enough about the positive impact she's had on the program and just how she's helped us grow into where we are today."
Majeau has been named captain of a Griffins team that kicks off the 2022-23 season on Friday vs. UFV (6 p.m.) and Saturday (2 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).
"It's just a huge honour," said the veteran post player. "It's something I've been working towards in my whole time here. I've been a leader on the team the last few years. So, just being able to have that leadership role formalized is just an honour for me."
At 6-foot-1, the Spruce Grove native brings a special skill set to the Griffins with the ability to match up defensively against the other teams' bigs and the skill to work the inside offensively.
"What we love and appreciate about her is that on court leadership," said Adams. "When we talk about roles and responsibilities for each of our players, she's taking on that floor general where we rely on her voice to get things going, direct traffic and help get our team settled in where we need to be and what we need to be doing.
"There are so many ways she contributes and elevates our program."
Academically, Majeau is working in the honours Psychology program at MacEwan, where she continues the high standard that made her a co-winner of the Top Griffins' Academic in the Faculty of Arts & Science in 2020-21.
"The academic side of it is really important for me," said Majeau. "I want to do something after basketball's done with my career and academic career, so making that a priority has always been important for me. And setting an example for the younger girls has helped because last year we won academic team of the year.
"I think that was a big part of it, making sure that yes, we're here to play basketball, but we want to prioritize school as well."
Shannon Majeau guards against Mount Royal University during a game last season (Robert Antoniuk photo).
On the court, the Griffins have a shot at being a contender this season. Led by veterans Majeau, reigning leading scorer Mackenzie Farmer, sharp-shooter Noelle Kilbreath, and the all-around two-way play of Hayley Lalor, they experienced some preseason success, finishing second in the McGill Invitational exhibition tournament last month in Montreal.
"My expectations are very high," said Majeau. "I think this is the most excited I've been at the beginning of a year. Just with the team culture we've built in the five, six years I've been here as well as the new people coming in, it's really inspiring to me, the attitude and dedication that I've seen from the team so far."
Standing out in a strong incoming class is guard Toni Gordon and point guard Toki Tsuzuki.
"It's hard to not notice Toni Gordon," said Adams of the Strathcona product. "She's just such a dynamic athlete and has really made an impact for us rebounding the basketball and finding ways to defend tough and contribute some really key baskets. She's so lightning quick and really tough to stuff.
"Point guard Toki Tsuzuki is another one. She's unfortunately had some injuries that has kept her out of some play, but she's showed really well in practice, so we're looking to have her calm composure lead us into the season."
