From Mustangs to the Pros: MacKeely Shantz Signs with TGN Basquet in Spain

London, ON - Western Mustangs women's basketball student-athlete MacKeely Shantz is turning her lifelong dream into reality, signing her first professional contract with TGN Basquet in Tarragona, Spain. Shantz describes the signing moment as unforgettable: "My parents were with me when I signed the contract. They have been there to see all the highs and lows and they know how long I've been dreaming to play pro and how hard I've worked, so it was a very special moment to share that with them."

After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph in 2023, she entered the Master of Physical Therapy program at Western University and played for the Western Mustangs Women's Varsity Basketball team for two years. She is set to graduate from Western this fall, though she likely will miss convocation as her first professional season in Spain will already be underway.


MacKeely Shantz Western Graduation Photo

A Dream Destination

Shantz's journey to professional basketball was shaped by her time at Western. After transferring to the Mustangs, she quickly learned how to adapt to new environments. "Transferring to Western was a valuable experience because joining a new team as an established player mirrors the kind of transition I'll face at the professional level. Also the coaching staff, Meg Wilson and Nate McKibbon, definitely helped me feel prepared for the next step as they have experience playing and coaching at a higher level."

Her final year with the Mustangs came with challenges—an injury kept her off the court for the season. Marketing herself internationally after that setback was not easy. But, with the help of her agent and coaches with connections in Spain, the opportunity to play professionally came together and Shantz is eager to begin this new chapter in Tarragona, a coastal city in Catalonia, Spain with a rich basketball culture. "I have heard great things about the city of Tarragona, it is a smaller community right on the coast and from what I've heard, basketball is very big in the province of Catalonia."

Her connection to Spain runs deep. One of her first coaches was a Spanish teacher on exchange, and the two stayed in touch. She also had the chance to visit Spain with the Tricounty Soldiers basketball program, experiences that fueled her dream to one day play there.

Outside of basketball, Shantz looks forward to embracing the local culture. "I love to be outdoors and learn about the history of places – so outside of basketball I see lots of hiking, traveling and castle touring in my future!"

Mustangs Memories

Looking back on her time at Western, Shantz says her fondest memories come from her teammates and the Mustangs community. "Definitely just being with the girls and of course the fans – coming in as a transfer, it was hard to know what to expect, but the [women] on the team and the Western community welcomed me in with open arms."

She also credits her parents, her fiancé Isaac Watsa, and her coaches—both at Western and earlier in her career—for their unwavering support. "There wasn't a home game in my university playing career that my parents missed – they even took flights to Thunder Bay and drove to Algoma to watch me play."

The impact of Western's culture of community will travel with her overseas. Shantz recalls the post-game tradition of connecting with young fans, signing autographs, and taking photos. "This sense of giving back stays with me and has definitely helped to shape me. You can finish a game you lost, the team didn't play their best, you didn't play your best… but then a young girl comes running up asking for you to sign their poster, telling you they are a huge fan and love watching you play. That's what matters."

Nate McKibbon, Mustangs Head Coach, Women's Basketball talked about how TGN Basquet is lucky to have MacKeely joining their team. "We have been incredibly fortunate to have MacKeely as part of our program for the past two years. We knew she was going to be a fantastic player, but we quickly found out her contributions as a leader, teammate, and ambassador were going to be just as impactful. As she moves on to her next step of her basketball career we can't wait to see all that she accomplishes as a professional athlete.  We have no doubt she will continue to make an impact this year in Spain and wherever her basketball career takes her.  Congratulations from all of us with Western Basketball, we'll be watching and cheering you on, Vamos!"

As for long-term goals, Shantz is keeping her path open-ended. "I love basketball and I'm so grateful for the opportunities it has given me already. I have no distinct plans other than to just keep working hard to get better and seeing where that road takes me."

Follow MacKeely's pro journey with TGN Basquet on Instagram: @tgnbasquet