Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series that returns for it's fifth instalment for the 2020-21 academic year. The segment features former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and the success they have enjoyed since leaving Laurier. Written by award-winning journalist David Grossman, different features will be released throughout the year that will emphasize the role Athletics and Recreation played in helping them achieve success.

Lee Anna Osei: Head Coach, StFX Women's Basketball; Founding Director, Black Canadian Coaches Association

So much has been said about the persistence, tenacity and talent of Lee Anna Osei.

Some have applauded her dedication and performances as a basketball player. Others have celebrated her triumphs, abilities and leadership skills as a coach. 

Nevertheless, there's more – and lots more about Osei, a Canadian of Ghanian descent, who has used the sport of basketball as a huge step to inspire a personal pursuit of prosperity, and a realization that achievement is attainable.

As the first Black female university head coach in the history of the Maritimes, Osei, in addition to being a role model for young girls, is the Founding Director of the Black Canadian Coaches Association. The impressive credentials and accomplishments, along with her pleasant personality, are invincible.

Back in her teen years, Osei was flawless, standing out for her malleability on the hardcourt for Toronto's Eastern High School of Commerce. She was chosen Most Valuable Player, picked to the elite Toronto Star all-star squad, instrumental in leading her teams to four City and Regional championships to go along with a pair of Ontario gold medals. It wasn't just basketball. Osei was on the academic honour roll for four consecutive years.

Tough, challenging and powerful in the game of hoops, Osei earned the nickname “Mighty Mouse”.

It was after her grade-school days, that her life became more imposing and demanding.

Osei would see the stars when the University of Miami came knocking with an attractive scholarship to the National Collegiate Athletic Association school. She accepted the offer and stayed at the Florida school for one year before transferring to a community college in Texas. Back then, Trinity Valley, located about one hour southeast of Dallas, had one of the top five women's basketball programs in the National Junior College Athletic Association.

For Osei, school was one thing, basketball another. There was also her personal life, which became a struggle, and she would soon find herself returning to Canada. Then, came a time of tinkering with attending university in Windsor with basketball becoming a major factor.

That never materialized as Osei would be convinced by her brother, Samuel, to go to Wilfrid Laurier – a school that he had attended.

“There was no way that I would have been at Laurier if it wasn't for my brother,” said a poignant Osei, while thinking about her brother, who had died tragically in 2012. “That year, and what had happened, was the turning point in my life."

"I knew I would be going to Laurier, but what had confirmed my connection even more was when I saw the entire (Laurier) women's basketball team attend my brother's funeral. They didn't know me that well, but what got to me was that they had attended. I was overtaken with emotion.”

Osei still had plenty of sentimental shivers.

“My world had been shaken up and it took me awhile to adjust,” she said. “Everyone at Laurier was so supportive, caring and I have so many fond memories.”

Osei would continue to sparkle. First, it was making the Dean's List and earning a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master of Arts – both in History and with academic honours. On the basketball court, she was a nightmare for contending teams. There was her brilliant defensive play to bamboozle opponents as well as the ability to set up her teammates for the offensive points. As for recognition and awards, they, too, came one after another.

A three-time academic all-Canadian, a Laurier Award of Distinction, winner of the Luke Fusco Academic and Achievement Award, chosen to the Ontario University Athletics all-star basketball team and the prestigious Outstanding Woman of Laurier award are just a few of the accolades.

“They were all very special but, to be honest, I was surrounded with great friends and teammates who inspired and motivated me to be the best I could be,” said Osei. “I also had an awesome experience meeting people when I had a chance to work at the Hawk Desk as an attendant.”

Entrenched in the glitter and excitement, Osei knew her days were winding down at Laurier. But her passion for basketball was stronger than ever.

“My time (at Laurier) will always be very special, I was so lucky, great bonding and being there, especially with the Athletics group, showed me what a family was like - always there for me,” she said. “The memories of being the only Black person in my university classes and never experiencing any acts of racism, the success, mentorship, and community involvement, were all so special to me.”

There was a time when Osei thought about a career in law. Then, teaching was a possibility and even becoming a sports agent. Countless hours were spent volunteering as a community and player development basketball coach. It was during her studies towards a second degree, that Osei, had a serious thought – combining coaching, teaching and giving back to the community.

She had worked at the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Clubs, created Canletes Basketball, a platform to promote, develop and support the journeys of prospective basketball players of all ages, and had two years of experience as a Provincial under-17 coach. In 2018, a huge opportunity came her way from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S. That, of becoming Head Coach of the women's basketball program.

“I had gone from student, athlete, scholar, trainer and founder to coach and instructor,” said Osei, who also teaches and instructs in the skills component of the university's Human Kinetics Department. “I was a leader - and it really changed my perspective. While I am bettering myself, I am also compelled to do it for others. For me, it has always been about improvement and getting better.”

A student of the game, and now coaching to develop players, her aspirations remain at the highest level. Her future is where the path leads her, and that's likely to be assisting others and contributing positively to society.

-END-

David Grossman is a multi award-winning communicator and storyteller with a distinguished career in Broadcasting, Journalism and Public Relations in Sport and Government Relations. In 2018, he was the recipient of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Media Member of Distinction. 

2016-17 Features
Steve Griggs - Chief Executive Officer and President, Tampa Bay Lightning
Sophie Kotsopoulos - Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
Mike McKenna - Former Director, Telecom, Media and Technology Investment Banking
Nicole Lee - Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
Mike Bartlett - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Foundation
Rebecca Watts - Manager, 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship
Hugh Lawson - Director of Business Development, Staples Promotional Products
Cheryl Pounder - Former Canadian National Women's Hockey Team Member
John Morris - 2010 Olympic Men's Curling Gold Medalist
Bill Burke - Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Niagara Ice Dogs

2017-18 Features
Tania Pedron - Manager of Administration and Operations, Maple Leafs Sport and Entertainment
Wayne Kemick - BMO Wealth Advisor
Denise Burke - President, Niagara Ice Dogs
Kevin McDonald - Vice President of Football Operations and Player Safety, CFL
Dr. Megan Yaraskavitch - Neurologist
Andrew Agro - Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Business Development, New York Jets
Marcia Powers-Dunlop - Senior Manager of Professional Support Services, Toronto District School Board
Joe Vernon - Lawyer, Miller Canfield
Emily Rudow - Founder, Oneiric Hockey
Todd Cooney - Vice President and Broker, CBRE Limited
Jennifer Elliott - Sports Information Officer, uOttawa Gee-Gees
Rohan  Thompson - Social Worker and Professor, Conestoga College
Dr. Fiona Aiston - Family Doctor
Jeremy Hedges - Founder and President, Inksmith
Sadie Anderson - Firefighter
Andrea Elliott - Sports Information Specialist, Ryerson Rams
Alyssa Lagonia - Professional Soccer Player

2018-19 Features
Ashley Stephenson - Teacher and member of Canada's national women's baseball program
J.R. Edwards - General Manager/Country Director, Carlsberg USA
Ginger Whitney - Vice President, Whitney and Company Realty Limited
Sandy Nixon - Loopstra Nixon law firm
Christina Polano - Lawyer
Donnie Ruiz - CFL alum, artist, personal trainer, and award-winning body builder
Jahmeeks Beckford - Support Worker, Carizon Family and Community Services
Melanie Witzell - Founder and Agency Director, Mad Hatter Technology
Eric Calder - Owner and President, Skills Plus Hockey
Ryan MacDonald - Strength and Conditioning Coach, Volleyball Canada National Beach Team

2019-20 Features
Chrissy McEwan - Account Executive, Detroit Pistons
Ian Noble - Lawyer
Tamika Marks-Grant - Marketing & Branding, Canadian Olympic Committee
Dean Boles - Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Swim Ontario
Andrew Quattrin -  Professional Rugby Player, Toronto Arrows
Scott Driscoll - NHL Official
Steve Bienkowski - Chief Operating Officer, Kitchener Rangers

2020-21 Features
Pat Langdon - Executive Managing Director, Newmark Canada
Cassandra Mensah - Education Fellow, National Women's Law Center
Allister Scorgie - Director of Sport Hosting, Region of Waterloo
Alena Luciani - Owner, Training 2XL
Roberto Aburto - Municipal Lawyer and Partner, Gowling WLG
Jeff Carefoote - Owner & CEO, Amsterdam Brewing
Liz Knox - Carpenter/Construction, McMunn and Company; Advisor, Professional Women's Hockey Players Association
Bernie Lee - NBPA Certified Agent and President, Quartexx Basketball