(Submitted photo/Paige Crozon)

By Mat Barrett

Coach Crozon

Crozon named to Rattlers coaching staff, becomes first female coach of men’s pro team in Saskatchewan

Apr 7, 2021 | 3:13 PM

The Saskatchewan Rattlers have announced their coaching staff for the 2021 Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season making history in Saskatchewan.

Humboldt’s Paige Crozon has been named as an assistant coach of the club, becoming the first female coach of a men’s professional team in provincial history. Crozon said she’s honoured to have that title, and women can bring a great perspective. She added she knows she won’t be the last woman to coach at the professional level in Saskatchewan and hopes this is the start of a continuous build.

“Hopefully more women will have an easier path to professional sports,” Crozon told northeastNOW. “And to coaching positions on the men’s side.”

The opportunity to be considered for a job with the Rattlers came as Crozon was doing some work with the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan. She said while talking to executives about some summer camp opportunities, they had offered her an interview, and the rest is history. Crozon is also the manager of the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League, the first ever province-wide Indigenous basketball league.

As for her role on the team, Crozon said the early days of being an assistant coach will be a lot of learning, but she said the staff is going to allow her to develop as a coach through that role. She added being a coach who has recently played the sport will bring another different perspective.

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Crozon is also on the coaching staff of the University of Lethbridge women’s team and while employed by the organization she has been told she is quite energetic, something she wants to bring to her role with the Rattlers.

“So, I’m looking forward to kind of being a new coach, and being in a new experience,” she said. “Kind of bringing that new energy to the athletes and the program.”

Crozon said she will continue her role at the U of L as the seasons run at different times. She hopes to continue her playing career when the opportunity arises in the 3×3 game for Team Canada. She’s currently ranked 7th in the world for women’s 3×3 players.

Previously, Crozon played professionally in Europe, and was a member of Canada’s National team for nine years.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6