Combo guard, Hans Sarah Bailly joins Caper women’s basketball program

Combo guard joins Caper women's basketball program

By Corey LeBlanc

A dynamic and versatile combo guard, Hans Sarah Bailly will don Caper orange in the upcoming season for the Cape Breton University (CBU) women's basketball program. 

"I am really looking forward to it – I am always trying to challenge myself," Hans Sarah Bailly said of her decision to make the Sydney campus her new post-secondary home. 

Born on the Ivory Coast, the now 21-year-old and her family emigrated from the West African country to Canada – settling in Montreal – when she was eight. 

It wasn't long – within the first year or so, actually – that Bailly took her first bounces on the basketball court. 

"She noticed that I was always running and jumping," she remembered, with a laugh, of her friend who convinced her to attend her team's next practice. 

Bailly noted that the coach "saw something in me." 

And she 'saw something' in the sport, balancing time on the hardwood with hitting her stride as a track-and-field athlete. Along with the long jump, Bailly ran short and long distances. Her prowess in those disciplines certainly benefitted her basketball development; speed and athleticism becoming keep components in her round ball toolbox. 

"I was just having a lot of fun," she offered of how basketball appealed to her. 

Bailly said the "sharing" element of the sport – success comes as a result of teamwork. 

"You don't play [or succeed] in a vacuum," she added. 

She also loved playing basketball with her friends. 

"We had a great time together," Bailly said. 

On a personal level, she explained, "I could be myself athletically" while playing basketball. 

After a successful high school career with the École secondaire Saint-Laurent Express, she spent her first season with the Vanier College Cheetahs before wrapping up her CEGEP career as a member of the Dawson College Blues – one of the powerhouse women's basketball programs in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). 

"It seems like a place that takes care of everyone, including the student-athletes," Bailly offered while reflecting on the decision to make her way to Canada's east coast and CBU. 

That impression was cemented a month or so ago when she traveled to Cape Breton and the Sydney campus for the first time, where she participated in the traditional student-athlete tour; one that outlined what she can expect at CBU, including athletically and academically. 

"I loved every minute of it," Bailly said, adding that she was "impressed" with everything about her soon-to-be home away from home. 

She added when it comes to the court, that the Capers' style of play caught her attention. 

"The team seems to play the way I like," Bailly offered of their "free and fast-paced" approach. 

And, she pointed out, they focus on being "dominant on both sides [of the ball]." 

CBU's veteran head coach Fabian McKenzie said everyone with the program is "very happy" that she has committed to the Capers. 

"From the first moment you meet her, you are exposed to her tremendous attitude. She's a very kind and caring young lady who looks after her teammates; the exact type of character we want involved with our program," he added. 

As for on the court, McKenzie described Bailly as a "dynamic guard who can score in different ways and can apply pressure on defense." 

"We are looking forward to working with her and helping her develop to her full potential," he added. 

Bailly agreed, noting that she can't wait to work with coaches and teammates who have a deep understanding of the game. 

"Everyone is on the same page," she offered. 

When asked about what she brings to the court, the 5'6" guard – who mainly patrols the point – started with "speed and leaping ability," along with her defensive strength and court vision. 

"I think I have a good feel for the game," Bailly explained, in reflecting on her "basketball IQ," which includes an ability to anticipate where her teammates will be and the best times to get them the ball. 

She added, "I know where to be and what to do," in order to help her team be successful. 

And, like her new head coach, Bailly noted her leadership skills. 

"I will do everything that I can to help my team," she said. 

As for making the transition to Atlantic University Sport (AUS) competition, Bailly, who will continue her studies in psychology at CBU, said, "I am ready to go." 

She added, "I know that I am up for the challenge." 

McKenzie agreed. 

"She will take the usual amount of time learning the AUS, and what we expect, but the transition won't be a long one," he said. 

McKenzie concluded, "I expect her to contribute immediately." 

-30-