Disclaimer: This list is liable to change, and will be updated as the offseason continues.
The Douglas College Royals are proud to announce the commitments of the following players to the 2017-2018 women’s basketball program: Jessica-Marie Castillo, Samantha Smith, Chanece Curtis, Jasmine Hamilton, Naomi Vinulan, and Zainab Khan
Jessica-Marie Castillo
5’3” Point Guard
Excel Basketball
Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School
After taking some time away from basketball, Jessica-Marie Castillo has made the decision to continue with her athletic career by joining the Royals. The ambitious point guard was a star during her time in high school. Now she brings her services to the Royals backcourt.
“This is a great opportunity to be a part of an amazing program,” said Jessica when explaining her decision to join the Royals. “It gives me a chance to continue to play the sport I love and also focus on my education”. Although new to the team, she is already meshing with the squad and will undoubted be a valuable addition to the team.
Samantha Smith
5’5” Shooting Guard
Vancouver Technical Secondary (Vancouver)
Those who have played basketball in the Lower Mainland have probably heard of Samantha Smith. The five time high school MVP has dominated her way through secondary school athletics, and now she’s headed for the PACWEST. Speedy on the court with the ability to sink nearly any shot, Smith will be a welcome addition to the Royals’ offense.
“I am so excited to be joining the Royals. I cannot wait for this journey to begin. It’s going to be a ton of fun!” – Samantha Smith
Jasmine Hamilton
5’5” Guard
BC Elite Basketball (BC’s Finest)
Earl Marriot Secondary (Surrey, BC)
Coming into a program where the standards are high can be intimidating for some players, but not Jasmine Hamilton. The 5’5” guard from Earl Marriot comes to the Royals with a champion’s pedigree, having led her high school team to a Tier 2 Championship title. Now she has the chance to help the Royals push for another PACWEST title challenge, and add to her already growing collection of medals.
“I am very excited to joining the Royals this coming season, and to be starting a new chapter of my life”. – Jasmine Hamilton
Chanece Curtis
5'5 Point Guard
VIU (Vancouver Island University) Transfer
Harry Ainlay High School (Edmonton, AB)
Chanece Curtis is yet another addition that the Royals have made to their backcourt. The VIU veteran brings experience and talent to a field which now has a lot of growing potential. Described by her teammates as caring, kind, and funny, Curtis brings an energy that every team wants in their locker room. As well as being a mentor for her younger teammates, Curtis has shown that she can very much play with that same energy on the court.
For Chanece, the move gives her the chance to continue doing what she loves, and more. "I'm excited to be doing something I love again with a group of people who share that passion. I'm ready to hoop!".
Naomi Vinluan
5’2” Point Guard
SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) Transfer
Holy Cross Regional High School (Surrey, BC)
Joining the Royals to strengthen the Guard positions will be Naomi Vinluan. An All-Star coming out of high school, she was highly sought after by multiple post-secondary institutions. Naomi chose to sign with SAIT for her first year of post-secondary basketball.
Being a student athlete in a completely new city and environment is never easy. After a year at SAIT, and a third place provincial finish, Vinluan returned home to Surrey, BC, where she would make the decision to transfer to Douglas College.
A big part of that decision was aided by the fact that the Royals head coach, Steve Beauchamp, was Naomi’s coach in high school, where she found so much success. The second year point guard will bring a lot to the team in the backcourt, as the Royals no longer have playmaker Adelia Paul to set the pace. Here’s what Naomi had to say about joining the Royals: “I am so excited to join the Douglas Royals and reunite with my former high school coach, while having the opportunity to play with one of the best CCAA Women’s basketball teams in Canada”.
Zainab Khan
5’6” Shooting Guard
Blue Stars Basketball Club
Panorama Ridge Secondary School (Surrey, BC)
In addition to Naomi, the Royals also manage to sign multiple MVP and All-Star winner Zainab Khan to bolster the team at the shooting guard position. Able to rotate in between guard positions and be a threat from virtually anywhere on the court, Khan will add a lot of versatility to the Royal backcourt as well as depth on the roster and bench.
Coming to the Royals out of the highly regarded Blue Stars Basketball Club means that Khan will be raring and ready for PACWEST action when the season comes around. A key part of her team in high school, the Royals will be looking for her to bring a similar kind of energy to the team.
“I am honoured to be joining, and to be a part of, such a well-developed program like the Royals” – Zainab Khan
