German center Alina Dohr ready to don Caper orange

'Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'

German center Alina Dohr ready to don Caper orange

By Corey LeBlanc

Good things come to those who wait.

That well-known phrase – an adage often modified or expanded but remaining similar at its core – could be applied to Alina Dohr becoming a member of the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's basketball program.

"I identified Alina a few years ago through a colleague and made contact with her. She did not come our way at that time, but I stayed in touch with her," veteran CBU head coach Fabian McKenzie says.

Dohr, who played for her native Germany in the 2018 FIBA Under-16 European Championship, is no doubt glad that he remembered her.

"I am incredibly grateful that CBU is giving me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take my basketball career to the next level," the 21-year-old says, "and also, to get a world-class education at a diverse campus with international students from more than 70 countries."

When McKenzie reached out to her for the first time more than two years ago, Dohr wasn't expecting any university offers – considering that she hadn't been playing due to injuries and the COVID-19 global pandemic. She had already decided to embark on a one-year adventure as an au pair in New York.

"It was an amazing experience that definitely enriched my life because I developed personally, improved my English skills, and meet plenty of new people while I traveled," she offers of her childcare experience.

And most importantly, it showed her how much she missed basketball.

"I realized that there are so many wonderful things you can do in life, but nothing makes me as happy as basketball does," Dohr adds.

She notes that McKenzie reconnected with her four months ago, and the rest – as they say – is history.

Deciding to don Caper orange will serve as the beginning of the next chapter in her basketball journey, one that began as a young fan.

"For some reason, I always wanted to play basketball – even though I never watched any games and no one in my family ever played basketball. But, when I was a child, and my Mom took me to the playground, I always ran to the basketball court and wanted to play," Dohr explains.

She joined her first basketball team at the age of six.

"I fell in love with the game and just never stopped playing."

Dohr says she also "loves" the diversity of the sport.

"It is very fast and requires a wide range of skills, which is why it is so exciting for me," she adds.

As for when she realized that she could play at a high level, Dohr – noting that basketball has "always been my biggest passion" – says, "I played because it is so much fun, but I never thought about what I could achieve with it."

When she started playing competitively, her coach suggested she had the ability to take the court at the university level in the United States.

"Honestly, I never really thought that was ever going to happen because I did not see myself as being good enough," Dohr recalls.

At the aforementioned U16 European championship, a scout approached her and asked if she had any interest in playing college basketball in the U.S. By the time she returned home from the tournament, there were some letters from American colleges in her mailbox.

"I realized that I actually had the possibility of playing at the university level."

As for the strengths of the game, the 6'4" notes her ability to "play inside" while utilizing her variety of moves at the center position.

"I am pretty fast and agile for my size, which is a big advantage," Dohr says.

She adds, "I like to shoot from the mid-range, but I definitely need to improve my three-point shot."

Describing her as a "great young lady," McKenzie credits Dohr for being "very determined and motivated."

"Her strengths begin with, but are not limited to, her size; her length will add another layer of paint protection to our defense. She also has a nice touch around the rim," he says.

Although – like all first-year student-athletes – Dohr will have to adjust to the "speed and physicality" at the AUS level, the veteran Caper mentor adds, "Alina does not shy away from contact."

McKenzie expects Dohr to be able to contribute early on.  

"Her length and athleticism will allow her to help us immediately. As she learns our system and the style of play in the AUS, she will earn more and more minutes."

Noting that she is "super excited" about playing her first conference campaign, Dohr says she doesn't have any "specific expectations."

"I will find my role in the team and will do the best I can to have a successful start."

While thanking McKenzie for "putting his trust in me," she adds, "It is my pleasure to become a part of the Capers family, and I want to get the best out of my time at CBU."

That will include furthering her studies in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program at CBU's Shannon School of Business.

"It is important to me that I am not caught up in a certain direction yet," Dohr offers, when asked about her career aspirations. "I want to get insights on as many fields as possible to see what I like best, so I can then specify."

A weekend trip to Toronto more than a year ago – one she adored – serves as her lone experience on Canadian soil.  

"Cape Breton Island is considered to be simply beautiful and known for a variety of hiking trails and dramatic coastal views. Since I love to spend time outside, whether it is going out for a walk or to the beach, I am sure that I am going to love living there," Dohr says.

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