Fraser Valley – WBB: Cabuco earns Student-Athlete Community Service Award, Gobeil and Tuchscherer named All-Stars
STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Nikki Cabuco, Fraser Valley
Cabuco has made a huge impact on the court for the UFV Cascades, earning a spot in the starting lineup as a rookie and maintaining that key role as the Cascades have risen to become a perennial presence in the U SPORTS national rankings.
Now in her fourth season of eligibility, the Port Moody, B.C. product’s passion for serving others is also creating an off-court legacy that’s even more impactful and long-lasting. She is not only on track to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from UFV, but she’s also backing up her academic studies with practical action in the community.
“Nikki has always had a passion for serving others. She has consistently led our community outreach projects since her first year as a Cascade. However, as she has progressed with her Child and Youth Care degree, her desire to get into the community and help marginalized groups has blossomed,” says Cascades women’s basketball head coach Al Tuchscherer. “It has been inspirational watching Nik fit her community work into her schedule and to make some of these important social issues a priority in her life. She continues to flourish as a student and an athlete as her life focus shifts to helping others. It is a privilege to coach her and to watch her apply her off-court gifts into something special.”
Cabuco has taken what she’s learned in UFV’s Faculty of Child, Youth and Family Studies and applied it with passion through her extensive work in the community with a focus on marginalized groups. She currently serves as a board member with the Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society, giving input into policy, development and goal-setting. She also serves as a youth and family ambassador with Foundry BC, participating in an innovative project to support a diverse pan-Canadian network of young people and family.
Last summer, she also served as a substance use counsellor through the Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society and Foundry BC’s Abbotsford chapter, offering walk-in counselling and supported outreach activities while also participating in Indigenous youth advocacy groups and traditional celebrations.
Championship host UFV also had a pair of all-stars recognized by the conference, including first team member Maddy Gobeil and third team selection Deanna Tuchscherer. The dynamic pair led the Cascades to a 17-3 record and will be looking to use home floor advantage this week as they pursue a championship title.
Gobeil averaged 17.7 points per game, the second highest in the conference, while starting all 20 games for the Cascades. The dynamic guard also ranked second in Canada West in steals with 66, and sixth in field goal percentage at 48.2.
Tuchscherer averaged 12.1 points, and 5.6 rebounds to go with 34 assists on the season to pick up the conference third team nod.
MBB: Cascades start Canada West Tournament with upset win over Regina
The No. 11 seeded UFV Cascades offered up the first upset of the 2024 Canada West Playoff Tournament at IGAC, knocking off the No. 6 seed Regina Cougars 74-62 thanks to a 25-13 run in the final ten minutes. It was sweet revenge, following a sweep by Regina in the regular season.
Down by three entering the fourth, the Cascades made three early triples and played stellar defence in the closing stages, en route to a 70-59 victory. They will now face the No. 3 seed Winnipeg Wesmen at 6 pm CT Thursday.
