Kristin Gallant figured her rookie year with the Brock Badgers women’s basketball team would see her play a small role and fight for playing time.

But after a busy season that saw the 18-year-old Halifax native become a young leader on her team, Gallant has now been named to the Ontario University Athletics all-star game.

Some of the best female players in the province will converge on the University of Waterloo for the latest edition of the OUA Women's Basketball All-Star Game Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m.

A total of 18 players representing 15 schools will suit up for the 11th edition of the annual All-Star affair at the Physical Athletics Complex in Waterloo.

“Kristin has the potential to be one of the basketball greats at Brock,” said Assistant Athletic Director Chris Critelli. “She is athletic and a joy to watch on the court. If she continues to be a student of the game and work hard, Kristin will help lead our team to new heights.”

Gallant, who averaged a team-leading 13.1 points per game in 17 starts this year, said she was shocked to be asked to play in the all-star game.

“Being a first-year and getting asked to be in that game was really surprising,” she said. “My whole first year was way more than I thought it would be. I wasn’t expecting to get playing time at all.”

In some ways, Gallant became the face of the Brock women’s program. A large photo of her taking a free throw adorns the main staircase in the Walker Sports Complex.

“There's definitely pressure, but I would rather have it how it was than how I was expecting it to be,” she said. “The added pressure has given me a lot more confidence this year because I was forced to have it. It helped my game a lot as far as my mindset going into games.”

Gallant is part of a roster full of talent at this year’s all-star game, led by a pair of coaches who recently went head-to-head in this year's Critelli Cup final. Reigning OUA Coach of the Year Taffe Charles from the Carleton Ravens and McMaster Marauder bench boss Theresa Burns will toe the sidelines once again on Saturday, bringing with them a wealth of experience, knowledge, and success both on the provincial and national levels.

The complete rosters for both Team Burns and Team Charles can be found below:

Team Burns

Jerika Baldin, Lakehead Thunderwolves
Burke Bechard, Guelph Gryphons
Tyra Blizzard, Windsor Lancers
Sarah Gates, McMaster Marauders
Nicole Morrison, Laurier Golden Hawks
Sofia Paska, Ryerson Rams
Sydney Resch, Algoma Thunderbirds
Lindsay Shotbolt, York Lions
Emily Tinnes, Laurentian Voyageurs

Team Charles

Jama Bin-Edward, Ryerson Rams
Chante Clarke, York Lions
Kristin Gallant, Brock Badgers
Linnaea Harper, McMaster Marauders
Veronica Lavergne, Queen's Gaels
Brooklynn McAlear-Fanus, Ottawa Gee-Gees
Keyira Parkes, Toronto Varsity Blues
Alexandra Trivieri, Carleton Ravens
Sydney Wilson, Waterloo Warriors