REGINA, Sask. — The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's basketball team was recognized in the Saskatchewan legislature on April 21. 

The team was invited by Saskatchewan New Democratic Party MLAs Matt Love and Carla Beck and introduced to members during the afternoon sitting. 

"Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honour, to you and through you, to welcome one of the greatest teams in the history of Canadian university sport: the 2026 U SPORTS national champions, the University of Saskatchewan women's Huskies basketball team," Love said. 

Love then introduced the Huskies players in attendance: Elliot Lieffers, Anna Maelde, Olivia Harm, Gabby Kaban, Logan Reider, Isabela Jickling, Sophie Larsen, and Jordyn Reding along with Assistant Coach Laura Dally and Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis. He also recapped the team's 51-game winning streak, the adversity it faced heading into nationals and the commitment required to capture a second straight Bronze Baby. 

"This achievement could not have been possible without the tireless dedication of the team's athletes, including tournament MVP Ella Murphy Wiebe, all-star Gage Grassick and finals leading scorer Logan Reider," Love said. 

As intense as a day in the legislature can be, members from across party lines joined in celebrating the team's accomplishments. Saskatchewan Party MLA and Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff pointed to the example the student-athletes set on the national stage. 

"It's a great reflection on the University of Saskatchewan and advanced education in this province," Cheveldayoff said. "With back-to-back national titles, you've brought tremendous pride to the university and showcased Saskatchewan excellence on the national stage. As student-athletes, you exemplify what's possible when academic opportunity and athletic excellence go hand in hand." 

For graduating player Anna Maelde, the recognition was a fitting way to cap off her career. 

"It was a really surreal experience," Maelde said. "I'd been to the legislative building when I was younger, but to actually sit in and listen to the opposition and the Sask Party debate was really interesting. Being honoured afterward by Matt Love, Carla Beck and the opposition at a private reception was really sentimental for everyone on the team." 

Thomaidis also said the experience was both meaningful and educational for her players. 

"It was a wonderful experience," she said. "Our entire team was honoured to be invited. Seeing question period and how it operates was really interesting, and I think educational. It meant a lot to be acknowledged and to have so many MLAs congratulate us and say they'd been watching and following our team." 

Love highlighted Thomaidis' decorated coaching career with the Huskies and internationally. 

"Coach Lisa Thomaidis is one of the best basketball coaches — not just in U Sports, but in Canada and the world," Love said. "She has represented Canada and Germany at the Olympic Games, and her track record speaks for itself." 

Following the assembly, the NDP hosted a reception for the team and presented players and coaches with gifts. 

"The unity was really nice to see," Thomaidis said. "Sport has a unique way of bringing people together." 

"I know my dad was watching at home," Maelde said. "I'm sure he was happy to hear my name recognized. I'm really proud to be from Saskatchewan and to represent the Huskies."