Elm Creek School was recognized on the provincial stage Saturday as Basketball Manitoba handed out its annual high school awards.
Grade 12 standout Kamryn Lepp was named the ‘A’ female player of the year, highlighting a strong season that saw her emerge as one of the top players in her classification across Manitoba.
“I was very surprised to receive this award because I don’t think I stand out as a player, but my team stood out as a team,” said Lepp.
Lepp also earned selection to the ‘A’, ‘AA’, ‘AAA’ girls graduating all-star game, where she competed among the province’s top graduating players.
“This whole season has been so fun and unforgettable,” she said. “I am so proud of all my teammates and how they persevered through playing difficult teams all season, and how we were all able to stay positive, even through the difficult games.”
Behind the bench, Elm Creek also earned top coaching honours, with Christine Wolf named ‘A’ girls coach of the year.
“I feel very honoured,” said Wolf. “Many times, I have been asked where Elm Creek is, so for the program it highlights our presence in the sports community.”
Wolf described the team as resilient, pointing to its ability to push through adversity throughout the season.
“They just kept going, taking each challenge as a step to success,” she said.
Wolf also credited Lepp’s leadership and work ethic as key factors in the team’s success.
“Right from day one in Grade 9 playing on the varsity team, she has never shied away from driving to the net and taking the shot,” Wolf said. “She would spend extra time honing her skills, and by example, it encouraged others.”
Lepp said representing Elm Creek on the provincial stage has been especially meaningful for a small community.
“It has been so much fun and such an honour for us as a small community to finally start to be recognized at a provincial level,” she said.
She also credited her family for their support throughout her basketball journey.
“My Mom and Dad have definitely been my strongest supporters throughout all of high school sports,” Lepp said. “They are always there to cheer me on, but also never failed to remind me that my worth is not found through my athletic performance.”
Lepp also credited her coaches — Wolf, Maddi Fraser and Kelli Wiebe — for helping shape her development.
“They have taught me to persevere and keep working hard even when I’m tired,” she said. “That’s a lesson I will carry on through my life.”
Looking ahead, Lepp plans to attend Bible school for a year before continuing on to university.
The Basketball Manitoba Awards, held at Sport Manitoba Courts and the Manitoba Museum, celebrate the province’s top high school players, coaches and contributors each season.
For Elm Creek, the recognition serves as a testament to the program’s growth and its emerging presence on the provincial stage.
