By John Kjorstad
The Forum
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – For Fargo product Elisha Kabanuk,
success and athletics walk hand in hand. The senior co-captain of
North Dakota’s women’s basketball team is having a
great season, and those who know her say she’s earned it.
"This year she’s stepped up to become a leader," said UND senior guard Tiffany Pudenz. "She’s really worked hard and now all her hard work is paying off."
Athletics is something that runs in Kabanuk’s family. Her older brother played club hockey at North Dakota State and her sister swam at the University of Minnesota.
A 1994 graduate of Fargo South High School, Kabanuk excelled in both soccer and basketball. She played on three state championship soccer teams from 1992-94 and won one state basketball title in the fall of 1992. A two-time all-state basketball and soccer selection, Kabanuk was up for both Miss Basketball and Miss Soccer her senior year.
Upon graduating from Fargo South, Kabanuk decided UND was the best place for her continue her career. "I wanted to get out of town and meet new people. UND gave me a chance to explore new opportunities," Kabanuk said.
During her first three seasons at UND, Kabanuk got most of her playing time off the bench. "She accepted her role and really worked hard at it," Pudenz said.
This year Kabanuk is a regular starter and has become a factor for other teams to contend with. "Her biggest improvement so far this season has been offensively. She’s been very consistent and epitomizes the team concept," said coach Gene Roebuck.
Roebuck also went on to stress how well Kabanuk has fit into the team concept over the past three seasons.
"She leads by example. Although she has become more vocal this season, she’s never been a rah-rah type leader," Roebuck said.
As the Sioux prepare for Saturday night’s game against traditional rival NDSU, Kabanuk isn’t getting herself worked up about it. "Everywhere you go there is a rivalry. It’s great for both of the communities, but I just don’t get to emotional about it," Kabanuk said.
"I learned a lot on and off the court here at UND," Kabanuk said. "Everything from team unity to relationships, it’s been a good experience for me." Kabanuk is set to graduate next December and plans to become a personal trainer. Until then, she is occupied with basketball and looking for one last championship to top off a successful career.