Maria Mongomo only played part of the Canada West basketball season but her impact was big enough that she has been named to the league's all-rookie team.
Mongomo, a guard for the UNBC Timberwolves, was named to the Canada West rookie squad on Monday. In 12 games, she averaged 17.5 points per contest, which placed her third overall in scoring. She also averaged seven rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. Mongomo's steal totals were fourth-best in the league.
A native of Las Palmas, Spain, Mongomo was forced to return home in January because of visa issues. In total, she missed eight games.
The other players named to the all-rookie team were Brooklyn Legault (University of Alberta), Jessica Hansen (UBC), Katie Keith (University of Lethbridge) and Taylor Claggett (University of the Fraser Valley).
Mongomo gave her UNBC teammates - who made her feel comfortable from the moment she arrived - credit for her individual recognition.
"Any athlete who is in a team knows the difficulties that can arise within a team," she said in a media release. "The truth is that, on this team, I have found no difficulty with adapting inside and outside the court."
Canada West will announce its rookie of the year and other major award winners on Wednesday.
Mongomo plans to return to Prince George in time for next school year and basketball season.
"This award reminds me how lucky I am to be able to continue to enjoy this wonderful sport," she said.
"It's very rewarding to know that people like what I do and enjoy it with me."
