025 17UG Team AB Coach Bios
17U Women’s Head Coach: Megan Wickstrom
Associate Head Coach - University of Alberta Pandas (2024-Present)
Megan Wickstrom brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Alberta basketball to her role as Head Coach of the 17U Women’s Team. Currently the Associate Head Coach with the University of Alberta Pandas, Megan has been a key contributor to post-secondary basketball across the province. She previously led the University of Alberta - Augustana women’s program as Head Coach from 2022 to 2024, and was an Assistant Coach at MacEwan University during the 2016-2017 season.
Megan’s involvement with Team Alberta spans nearly a decade, including roles as:
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Head Coach - Team Alberta 17U (2024)
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Assistant Coach - Team Alberta 17U (2023)
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Assistant Coach - Team Alberta 15U (2015)
As a former athlete, Megan represented Team Alberta 17U in 2007 and 2008 before playing with the University of Alberta Pandas from 2009 to 2016. Her extensive playing and coaching background gives her a well-rounded understanding of athlete development at every stage.
Megan is driven by a love of the game and the opportunity to grow with the basketball community:
“I love getting to work with and learn from some of the top players and coaches in our province! Being able to build lasting relationships with many people in the basketball community in Alberta and across the country, and then to watch them progress throughout their careers is truly rewarding. Coaching Team Alberta also continues to challenge me in new and exciting ways and I am looking forward to my first Canada Summer Games!”
A proud native of Sherwood Park, Megan is committed to fostering excellence and mentorship within the next generation of female athletes in Alberta.
17U Women’s Assistant Coach: Marissa Lindquist
Marissa Lindquist is an experienced and passionate coach with a strong track record of success at both the provincial and post-secondary levels. Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Marissa brings over eight years of coaching experience in CCAA and USPORTS programs and a deep commitment to developing female athletes.
Marissa has made an immediate impact with Team Alberta, serving as:
Prior to her work in Alberta, she led Team Nova Scotia’s U15 Girls to a Silver Medal finish as Head Coach at the 2022 National Championships. Her provincial team journey began as an athlete, representing Saskatchewan U15 (2007 & 2008) and U17 (2010) teams.
A former collegiate player at Lakeland College, Marissa blends her personal playing experience with a thoughtful, athlete-first coaching philosophy. Her passion for coaching is driven by mentorship and continuous learning:
“I wanted to coach Team Alberta because of the enjoyment I have had from previous experiences coaching at the provincial level. Coaching Team Alberta has provided me the opportunity to work with and learn from other coaches and athletes whom I would not have had the opportunity to otherwise. These experiences have helped me grow as a coach, and given me the opportunity to be a positive role model to female athletes in the province.”
We’re excited to have Coach Lindquist bring her leadership, insight, and competitive experience to the 17U Women’s program.
17U Women’s Assistant Coach: Lauren Cardinal
Head Coach - University of Alberta Augustana Women’s Basketball (2024-2025)
Lauren Cardinal is a rising coaching talent who brings energy, experience, and a deep understanding of Alberta basketball to the 17U Women’s Team. A proud St. Albert native, Lauren has been steadily building her coaching career while staying rooted in the communities and programs that shaped her as a player.
She recently served as Assistant Coach for the University of Alberta Augustana women’s program in the 2023-2024 season and stepped into the Head Coach role for 2024-2025. Lauren is also a former Team Alberta U16 player (2015), and her journey now comes full circle as she takes on an assistant role with the 17U team ahead of the 2025 Canada Summer Games.
As a player, Lauren competed in the ACAC, first with Red Deer College (2017-2020) and later with U of A: Augustana (2020-2023). Her provincial team experience includes:
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Team Alberta - North American Indigenous Games (2017)
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Team Alberta - Western Canada Summer Games (2015)
She also competed with Junior Griffins (PEBL) and St. Albert Catholic High School (4A ASAA) during her early years.
Lauren is motivated by challenge, growth, and giving back:
“I’m drawn to environments that challenge me and offer new experiences, and apprentice coaching Team Alberta is an opportunity to do exactly that. It’s a chance to give back to the next generation of athletes, support their goals, and be part of something bigger than just a season. I’m excited to learn from experienced coaches, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a competitive and empowering team culture at Canada Games!”
We’re excited to welcome Coach Cardinal to the 17U Women’s coaching staff as she continues to grow her leadership and inspire young athletes across Alberta.
