They say all good things come to an end and for York University’s Kayla Pangos, the sister of Gonzaga guard Kevin Pangos, this is slowly becoming a reality.
Playing for the York Lions under her father and head coach, Bill Pangos, has always been a goal for Kayla.
As she enters her fifth year of eligibility, the 22-year old York guard is looking to leave to leave her mark before she hangs her jersey up for good.
“Well first and foremost I want to finish my basketball career at York with the best season, both I’ve had personally and as a team, we have a more experienced team this year so a goal we have set is be in the top three teams of the OUA East going into playoffs,” said Pangos.
“That would give us a home court playoff game and I have never made OUA final four and that would be a great experience and great accomplishment to get there.”
Familiar faces will surround Pangos this upcoming season as the team has managed to keep 12 players from the previous year, adding only a single freshman in Nina Guzina.
As one of the more seasoned and experienced players, Pangos believes that it’s her duty to get the freshman on the
Kayla on what drew her to the game of Basketball.
right track.
“She is an enthusiastic rookie, unfortunately she is currently injured but her and I tend to talk lots about things and she has been an awesome addition to our squad,” said Pangos.
“The one thing I continually tell my younger teammates is that it goes by so fast, so never take a single practice or game for granted.”
Kayla’s freshman year played out a little different as fellow guard Nadia Qahwash joined her. From there the relationship between the two began to grow and both guards are currently playing in their fifth year of eligibility.
“Nadia and I have been duo guards for four years now, we were just talking about how fast the time has gone, we are appreciating each and every practice and game because before we know our basketball career at York will be over and both of us are not ready for that,” said Pangos.
“Over the years her and I have certainly learned how to play together, we have developed a great relationship and I think this year will be our best year together yet, we know how the other plays, and I think our experience together will help this year’s team get farther than we have in past years.”
Moving on can certainly be a tough thing to do, but for Kayla she believes it’s necessary to take a break from basketball
Kayla on her decision to stay for a 5th year
following this season’s end.
“I think I will need to distance myself a bit at first as playing at York for my dad was a dream of mine from the time I was three years old, when it finishes I will need some time to find myself again and pursue other aspirations of mine,” said Pangos.
“I know York will always be apart of me and I will always have some connection with the athletic program, I look forward to future alumni games and hope to watch some games online, if not live.”
Though she may want to peruse other things as long as family is involved with York basketball Kayla plans to still be around
“As long as my dad is coaching and my cousin, Jackie Koudys, is playing I know I will be following the team heavily,” said Pangos.the campus in support.
“Depending on where I end up next year will depend on how much I stay involved, but I do hope to stay as connected with the program and the school throughout my life as it as given me so much in my 22 years of life.”
York has provided Pangos with experience on and off the court and it is those very experiences that have molded her into the “mother of basketball” she is today.
“I came into York as varsity’s little sister and am finishing off as varsity’s mom it seems, being apart of the York Lions varsity community has helped me so much as a person,” said Pangos.
“Not only with the basketball program but I also got involved with Sports Council and the P.A.W.S. Mentorship Program. I have made connections with the staff and other athletes that will be cherished for the rest of my life.”