Hineaupounamu Nuku of the Lakeland Rustler is the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball Player of the Year.

Nuku was honoured at the 2024 CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship, hosted by Lakeland College in Lloydminster, AB.

As the starting point guard, Nuku showcased remarkable skills, scoring an average of 14.2 points per game, securing 4.5 rebounds per game, and demonstrating exceptional playmaking with an average of 5.5 assists per game and 2.8 steals per game. Nuku's presence was indispensable for the Rustlers, as she started in all 20 games, averaging 27.2 minutes per game. In addition to her offensive skills, she was entrusted with guarding the opposing teams' top players, showcasing her defensive capabilities. She led the ACAC in total assists, assists per game, and assist-to-turnover ratio, all in her rookie season, demonstrating an impressive start to what promises to be a stellar career in collegiate basketball. 

"Hineaupounamu is a great student athlete whose personality automatically attracts you to her. Her hard work on the court makes her an instant leader amongst her teammates and a fan favorite with the youth who attend our games in the community," said Alan Rogan, Lakeland College Athletic Director. 

Beyond her on-court achievements, Nuku brings a contagious energy and excitement to the gym with her magnetic personality. Her exceptional progress in her freshman season reflects her hardworking attitude in practice and her understanding of basketball as a team game, despite her ability to take charge when needed.

Mai Nguyen CCAA Women’s Basketball Convenor commented, “The ACAC has been one of the strongest conferences in Canada for the last few years, and to be able to compete and be a leader in her first year; really demonstrates the talent she has.  She may not be the flashiest player on the court, but she contributes to her team; with assists, smart plays and leadership.  We look forward to what she will be able to do in the next few years”

Nuku extends her impact off the court by actively participating in basketball camps and contributing to Rustlers youth basketball programs, showcasing her commitment to the development of the sport at various levels.

The CCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year receives a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA.

2024 CCAA Women’s Basketball All-Canadians

Elissa Vreugdenhil

Makayla Kimble

Sandra Garcia Bernal

CBC Bearcats
PACWEST
Forward
Year 2

VIU Mariners
PACWEST
Shooting Guard 
Year 4

RDP Queens
ACAC
Point Guard
Year 5

Hannah Helton

Hineaupounamu Nuku

Breanna Pretty

Lethbridge Kodiak
ACAC
Guard
Year 5

Lakeland Rustlers
ACAC
Guard
Year 1

Lambton College
OCAA
Wing
Year 4

Dasia McDonald

Kaitlyn Overeem

Nyodie Guérard

Algonquin Wolves
OCAA
Point Guard
Year 3

St-Clair Saints
OCAA
Guard
Year 5

Cégep Sainte-Foy
RSEQ
Point Guard
Year 3

Catherine Oliver

Alexa Rancourt

Amanda Pearcy

Lennoxville Cougars
RSEQ
Guard
Year 3

Holland Hurricanes
ACAA
Forward
Year 4

MSVU Mystics
ACAA
Point Guard
Year 3