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This article is brought to you by Allan Bush at CIBC Wood Gundy Waterloo

Mia Palango has been playing soccer since Gr. 4. That’s right, soccer. But fortunately for the Tri-County Thunder, she also loves basketball.

Palango verbally committed to South Florida in Tampa, Florida, in Gr. 10. That following year she stepped back from playing competitive basketball to focus on soccer but missed the game and joined Thunder jersey for her final year.

She feels that her skills in soccer and basketball are transferable. There is the obvious need for a high level of fitness but also the necessary and talent defining, sports IQ.

It will be a significant move for Palango. Before she fell in love with South Florida, she and her mother stressed the benefit of drivable options. Now she says it’s a good thing that “Florida is not a bad place to visit.”

Palango was persuaded to South Florida for its academics. She will be studying physical education, with potential access to the medical centre on campus for practical studies.

She is also confident in the coaching staff and excited to play with the team on a beautiful campus.

As for this year with the Thunder, Palango’s highlight was a trip to Florida with the team. On the court, she learned to adapt to a new team and players and finished the regular season with a winning record.

Headed to the finals, Palango feels that the Tri-County Thunder have a “good chance at playing in the finals.”