Lauren Rainford and Kyree Thompson named UPEI Panthers Source for Sports Athletes of the Week

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The UPEI Panthers Source for Sports Athletes of the Week for February 10–16, 2025, are Lauren Rainford (women’s basketball) and Kyree Thompson (men’s basketball).

February 18, 2025

Charlottetown, PEI (February 18, 2025)—Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The UPEI Panthers Source for Sports Athletes of the Week for February 10–16, 2025, are Lauren Rainford (women's basketball) and Kyree Thompson (men's basketball).

Rainford, a fifth-year arts student from Toronto, Ontario, etched her name in UPEI history this weekend, surpassing the legendary Jenna Mae Ellsworth's all-time scoring record of 1,380 points. The milestone came on a free throw with 3:52 left in the third quarter of the victory over the Memorial University Sea-Hawks on February 15. The Panthers dominated the weekend series, winning both games, as Rainford led the charge, averaging 20.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 steals.

"Lauren had a memorable weekend, breaking the regular season scoring record," said head coach Matt Gamblin. "It's one of those full-circle moments for me as well, being able to coach both Lauren and Jenna Mae Ellsworth when they broke the school record. This is such a great accomplishment!"

Thompson, a third-year arts student from North Preston, Nova Scotia, continues to thrive in the starting lineup, playing a key role in the Panthers' two crucial wins that have positioned them to compete for a coveted quarter-final bye against the Cape Breton University Capers on February 22. Over the Panthers' weekend sweep of the Memorial University Sea-Hawks, Thompson led the team with an impressive 22.0 points per game, shooting a scorching 55.6 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from beyond the arc. He capped off the dominant stretch with a career-best 29-point performance in the February 15 showdown.

"I'm really impressed with the efficiency with which Kyree is scoring and the consistency that he is starting to demonstrate," said head coach Darrell Glenn.

Go Panthers Go!

Media contact:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca