LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - McMaster Marauder women's basketball standout Sarah Gates has taken the next step in her basketball career by signing a professional contract with the BBZ Opladen Hawks of the Toyota DBBL First Division in Germany.
The signing comes on the heels of Gates' record-setting collegiate career and her recent HoopQueens
summer league championship title.
Gates, who in her final season in maroon was named the Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year, OUA Female Athlete of the Year and the Thérèse Quigley Female Athlete of the Year, made a significant impact on the Marauders women's basketball team during her final season. Her exceptional performance earned her the title of U SPORTS Outstanding Women's Basketball Player of the Year and made her the second Marauder in history to receive the Nan Copp Trophy.
"For the last two years I've been seeing other people go overseas to play and it just made me so much more hungry for my turn", said Gates. "I'm sad this [McMaster] chapter is over but I'm ready for a change of pace and to push my game to the next level."
Now, Gates embarks on her professional basketball journey with the BBZ Opladen Hawks. The Leverkusen-based team has gained a reputation for developing players and fostering their growth within the league. Gates' addition to the roster aligns with the Hawks' commitment to both player development and team cohesion. The team expects her skillset and character to make Gates an excellent fit for the team, both on and off the court.
Boris Kaminski, head coach of the BBZ Opladen Hawks, sees Gates making a significant impact on the team's offense.
"With Sarah's offensive quality, she will certainly bring us a lot of joy and can become an important pillar in our team in her first year as a professional."
According to Gates, pro basketball was the goal before she was even in high school.
"At my grade 8 graduation we took pictures holding a chalkboard and had to write down what we wanted to be when we grew up. Ever since then [professional basketball] has been in the back of my mind as something I wanted to pursue."
Theresa Burns, Marauder women's basketball head coach, expressed confidence in Gates making an immediate impact in professional basketball and says a player of her quality is always looking to keep getting better.
"She's definitely ready," said Burns. "BBZ Opladen is getting a pure scorer who can shoot the deep ball but may be even better at scoring in transition and overpowering defenders as she gets to the rim. After the historic year she had to finish her U SPORTS career, Sarah is still adding new dimensions to her game."
Gates' stellar performance throughout her U SPORTS career earned her the distinction of being McMaster's all-time leading scorer, with a total of 1,857 points. She also established herself as a record-holder in several categories, including field goals, free throws, and three-point field goals, and helped the Marauders capture their
first National Championship as a sophomore in 2018-19.
"The Hawks play in the top division in Germany, so the skill level will be high," added Gates. "I'll have to bring my best game."
Gates will make the trip across the pond in August for training camp. BBZ Opladen will open its 2023-24 season in September.
For the latest news and updates on Marauder Women's Basketball, follow @McMasterSports or visit marauders.ca
