TWolves Add Leadership, Rebound and Experience With the Commitment Of Local Forward Katie Shchepotkina

The journey to get to this point has been a winding one, with a twist or five along the way, but as the 2025-26 Canada West season draws nearer, a local standout is back where she belongs.

Timberwolves head coach Sergey Shchepotkin announced today that forward Katie Shchepotkina has committed to UNBC, bringing her basketball career (to this point anyway) to a full-circle.

Shchepotkina grew up locally and was a fixture in Junior Timberwolves basketball programs from Grade 4 – 12. Mainly coached by her parents Sergey and Alla, Katie wrapped up her high school career at Duchess Park before heading South to Florida Southwestern State College where she played two seasons for the Bucs (2022-24).

After moving back North to Prince George, Shchepotkina spent the previous season with the TWolves as their Team Manager. A return to the court was always a possibility, and in the Spring when her father (and coach) offered her a spot – she couldn't turn it down.

"I missed the game, so why not, let's see what I can do," shared an excited Shchepotkina who is looking forward to playing for her father in a Canada West capacity. "I finally get the chance to work with him. I think I can improve my game a lot from where it used to be. He always pushes us to grow and be our best on the court, in school and in life."
 
Familiarity to the team will not be an issue for Shchepotkina who has spent countless hours with the team in previous years. The existing team chemistry also played a huge role in luring Shchepotkina back onto the court. She added, "This is already one of the best team environments that I've experienced so far."

"I can help with rebounding. I'm also confident shooting the three, and hopefully I can expand my game more and bring my experience and knowledge to the court," remarked Shcepotkina who is currently studying Business at UNBC.

As October 26^th fast approaches, Shchepotkina and her teammates are hard at work preparing for the 2025-26 campaign.

"I love basketball because it helps me and pushes me to grow, and challenges me both physically and mentally," concluded the newest Timberwolf. "I love building the relationships and the 'family-type' connection with my teammates."

UNBC Athletics is thrilled to welcome Katie Shchepotkina to the UNBC Timberwolves family.