Newcomer to bring experience to Caper backcourt

Newcomer to bring experience to Caper backcourt

Ajda Licina expected to contribute 'right away'

By Corey LeBlanc

An experienced guard from across the Atlantic Ocean has signed on to patrol the backcourt for the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's basketball program next season.

"I think my style will really fit the program at CBU," Ajda Licina – a native of Podgorica, Montenegro – said in an email interview with Caper Athletics.

She described the "best basketball" as "simple" – playing fast and sharing the ball, which the 5'7" student-athlete noted perfectly fits her game.

Licina started playing as an eight-year-old in her Balkan homeland, a region known for its rugged mountains and beautiful beaches.

"I liked this sport because you learn how to be a team player – you meet a lot of people, and you have fun doing something you like," she offered in outlining what sparked her passion for hitting the hardwood.

Noting that women's basketball is not as popular as men's in Montenegro, Licina said it has always been challenging to find places to play.

When it came time to decide where to tip-off her university career, she moved to the United States, where she spent two seasons with the Cochise College Apaches of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference.

"I like change, and I am looking forward to the challenge of coming to a different place," the 22-year-old said of the decision to take her basketball talents north of the border.

As for choosing CBU, she spoke about having "an opportunity to excel both academically and athletically."

"I think CBU has a great business administration program," Licina, whose career aspirations include becoming a chief executive officer or marketing manager, offered.

On the basketball side, from her conversations with veteran Caper head coach Fabian McKenzie, she said she realized "I could learn a lot from him."

Licina added, "And I think I can fit in well with his style of coaching."

Noting his basketball ties overseas, McKenzie said he was able "to identify Ajda and connect with her."

As for what she brings to the Caper program, he offered, "First and foremost, she is a great young woman and a competitor.

"Ajda is a quick guard who can push the tempo, passes well, and attacks the rim; and she is a solid perimeter shooter. She brings a great deal of experience to the program from many years of playing at a high level. She wants to win, compete and be a leader on the court, which will help our young team right away."

When asked about her strengths, she started with her "speed [getting] around the court."

"I am always supporting and pushing the team," Licina said, noting her experience as a communicator.

She added that defending, passing, and "sharing the ball" are also key ingredients to her on-court success.

Nevertheless, Licina takes nothing for granted; she is always working on fundamental skills such as passing, dribbling, jumping, and shooting.

"Those are the things that players like me always need to work on," she noted when asked about areas in which she needs to improve as she prepares for her first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) campaign.

Licina added that she will also be focussing on building her strength.

"I also want to work on controlling my emotions on the court, to be more responsible as a player in a game."

When it comes to making the transition to the AUS, McKenzie offered that – like every first-year student-athlete in the conference – "Ajda will need to adjust to the speed and physicality in our league, but I feel her transition will not be a long curve."

When asked about expectations for her first season with the Capers, she doesn't mince words.

"Win a championship," Licina said, while "growing and being more mature as a player" as part of "taking my game to a higher level."

When she arrives for that inaugural campaign, it will be her first time in Canada.

"I am looking forward to achieving great results – both in school and basketball – while having the chance to meet new people, experience different cultures, and explore Cape Breton Island."

McKenzie thinks Licini will make an immediate impact – on and off the court.

"I expect Ajda to come in and contribute right away. I believe she will fit into our system and flourish. She has a high work ethic, and I feel she will be a solid contributor for many years."

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