Shannon Parlee doesn’t sit idle.
Not a chance.
Basketball plays a huge role in Parlee’s life, whether as a former university player who still hits the court regularly or as the person behind the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association’s Moncton Mystics.
Parlee has been a staple at the MWBA table since its inception in 2022.
In fact, she was prepared to be a part of a New Brunswick-based league back before the MWBA became reality.
Although a considerable amount of spare time is dedicated and committed to Parlee’s beloved Mystics, she also operates a successful women’s league during the off-season.
The Moncton Women’s Basketball League is a four-team entity, featuring 60 women who play twice a week in a competitive format that features officials and matching jerseys.
It’s done right.
‘We play twice a week and run our league from October through April, concluding with a championship,’ said Parlee, who also plays in the circuit. ‘Our players come from across the region including as far as Saint John. There are women from Havelock, Hillsborough, Salisbury, Dieppe, Moncton and Riverview, so there is a nice mix of players and backgrounds.’
The MWBL is jammed to capacity with each team carrying 15 players.
Life commitments, weather and other challenges allow for the larger rosters to ensure a competitive environment is always showcased on the court.
‘We hope to expand to five teams next winter considering we have a waitlist with more than 10 players already on it,’ Parlee said. ‘There is a demand for the league and we’re happy to see it thrive.’
The teams feature are the Storm, Lynx, Spark, and Aces, with all nicknames inspired by the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Perhaps a fifth team next season will be named Tempo, a nod to Canada’s entrant into the WNBA in 2026.
There are a number of present day and former members of the MWBA’s Mystics playing in the league.
All games are played at local high schools for players 19 and over.
‘We want this to be a fin league and we welcome all skill levels,’ said Parlee. ‘We have a mission, vision and values attached to our league along with rules and regulations. Our mission is to create a supportive and empowering environment for women to engage in the sport of basketball. We aim to provide opportunities for women to either learn the game or continue playing beyond their high school and university years. Our vision is to break down barriers and create an inclusive space where every woman feels welcome and valued.’
There are certainly parallels to the Moncton-based league when it comes to the MWBA, providing that outlet for women to play, coach, manage, officiate and work on community building.
It’s always great to see members of the MWBA continuing to be community leaders.
– MWBA’s Moncton Mystics’ GM Shannon Parlee, front left, is a leader in basketball promotion.
