The University of Regina Cougars have not had a sister duo playing for the team since 2018 when Kyia and Kyanna Giles were tearing up the court on their way to a national bronze medal. Six years later, Cougars head coach Dave Taylor now has another talented sibling pair with Kyu and Izzi Fust. Both sisters, like the Giles sisters, are from Winnipeg and bring exceptional talent to the team. Kyu, the elder of the two sisters, was the player of the year in Manitoba during her Grade 12 year, while Izzi earned the same title the following year.
In her rookie season with the Cougars last year, Kyu had a great mentor in Cara Misskey from Warman, Saskatchewan. Despite the support, Kyu missed playing with her younger sister after the two played together at Dakota Collegiate before college basketball. Having her sister on the team this year provides Kyu with comfort and a piece of home on the court. The close relationship between the Fust sisters played a role in Izzi’s decision to join Kyu at the University of Regina.
Many people assumed that Izzi would automatically follow her sister to Regina once Kyu committed to the team last year. However, Izzi had numerous offers from schools across the country before ultimately choosing to join her sister in Regina. Izzi wanted to get out of Manitoba while also remaining close enough to home to make visits. She was inspired by her sister’s growth and development on the team and wanted to follow in her footsteps.
Coach Taylor is excited to have the Fust sisters on the court together this season. He highlights their different playing styles, with Kyu being a strong defensive player who can also score, while Izzi is more focused on the offensive end. Regina had a successful season last year, which was a major factor in Izzi’s decision to join the team. She admired her sister’s progress and development with the Cougars and wanted to experience the same growth and success.
The presence of the Fust sisters adds a special dynamic to the Cougars team, with their close bond and individual skills contributing to the overall performance. The sisters provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for each other on the court, making their partnership a valuable asset for the team. As they continue to develop and showcase their talents, the Fust sisters are set to make a significant impact on the University of Regina Cougars’ basketball program. Overall, the addition of Kyu and Izzi Fust to the team brings excitement and promise for the upcoming season.
