About WCPA WBB
Our program focuses on the academic, mental, physical, and emotional development of each student-athlete to help them reach their full potential on and off the court. We provide an all-inclusive preparatory academy focused on building academic success, basketball skills & IQ, physical development, and life skills that each individual will pull from beyond their playing careers. We have access to state-of-the art facilities at the Edmonton Sports Centre with hardwood courts, shooting machines, S&C equipment and much more.
Program Vision
WCPA Women’s Basketball Academy will strive to be the premier basketball academy in the world. We will develop elite basketball student-athletes while supporting and guiding them as they achieve their ultimate goals in basketball, academics and life.
Program Mission
Our mission is to help shape the next generation of leaders on and off the court and change the way our youth grow into adulthood. We will provide the support and tools to ensure our student-athletes develop academically, emotionally and athletically. We have set the academic and athletic standards and expectations to match those of all post-secondary institutions so that the transition to the next level is seamless."
WCPA will create a “family” atmosphere that all of our stakeholders will be proud of. Our staff and students will represent the academy in a mature responsible manner, realizing the impact they will have and the role models they will become. WCPA staff and student-athletes will be known locally and nationally for their dedication to being the best they can be on and off the court.
Our staff and student-athletes will work and play at an elite level. From the classroom to the weight room and on the court, the WCPA family will hold each other to the highest of standards. Western Canada Preparatory Academy believes in a healthy balance of school, training, work, family and community.
Program Values
Be character people – be kind to one another – pay it forward.
Appreciate and respect the game and your community.
Put your best foot forward every day with everything we do.
Be prepared and control what we can control.
Be the benchmark – create ELITE student-athletes
Represent yourself, your family, WCPA, your school and the community in a professional manner at all times.
Program Structure
Sample Schedule:
8:25 AM to 12:05 PM - Classes
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Lunch
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM - IPPS/Study Hall
3:00/30 PM to 5:00/30 PM - Practice
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM - S&C
Student-athletes participating in the WCPA program attend Vimy Ridge Academy (Edmonton Public School) as a part of the Elite Athlete Program. This program is designed to help high-performance athletes pursue their sport while keeping academics at the forefront by providing tailored academic schedules and support. Student-athletes can enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) level courses.
Furthermore, WCPA provides access to tutors, grade monitoring, and academic success planning and support to ensure athletes are academically eligible for their academic program of choice.
Each student-athlete works with a coach to develop an academic plan with target grades and tangible action steps to achieve the target grades. There are periodic academic check-ins to ensure student-athletes are on track.
Academics
Development
Our program is a year-round program with the season running from September to March as an extensive program that will include 5 practices/per week, 3 strength & conditioning sessions/per week, individual skills development, mental performance training, and access to other resources needed individually. We focus on developing the all-around or global athlete in line with Canada Basketball’s LTAD.
Our schedule consists of 30 to 40 games within the US and Canada. Training is focused on learning and applying concepts and skills in game contexts for improved transfer within competition and to the post-secondary level.
In the off-season, each athlete has an Individual Performance Plan (IPP) focussed on furthering their holistic development. Athletes are encouraged to participate in track & field or other sports to help them develop their overall athletic abilities.
WCPA is partnered with professional sports psychologists, athletic trainers, running coaches, and physiotherapists to provide each individual with the necessary resources to succeed.
Exposure
WCPA plays in targeted events and games within Canada & US to maximize athlete exposure & development. Some events include the Border League, EIBC League, Nike Tournament of Champions, PWBL and exhibition games versus local college and prep teams. These targeted events provide exposure to post-secondary playing opportunities & a higher level of competition than a local environment.
By playing against higher levels of competition, student-athletes gain exposure to higher-level opportunities and development through being challenged by student-athletes with the same goals and aspirations. Furthermore, our staff has access to a network of college & university coaches to help with athlete placement at an appropriate level.
Residence
Our residence accommodation partner is Horizon Residence. Athletes will have access to fully furnished dorm rooms in the heart of Downtown Edmonton. The residence is within walking distance from a local shopping center & transit. This option is for athletes who are attending WCPA from out of town.
In addition to the Horizon Residence, there are billet options with sponsor families as well available on a case-by-case basis.
FAQ
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Are classes in-person or online?
All classes are in-person at Vimy Ridge Academy, an Edmonton Public School specialized for elite student-athletes.
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Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis where applications are evaluated based on several factors. Please inquire about the financial air programs available.
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Who is this prep academy for?
Female student-athletes who are looking for a tailored and structured high-performance basketball environment and have the potential and desire to play basketball at a collegiate, provincial, and/or national level.