One of the most respected and determined players to play in the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association is back with the Moncton Mystics.
And Kelsey McLaughlin is going to have some help with a new face wearing Moncton colours.
McLaughlin missed the 2025 MWBA season after welcoming her and husband Mark’s fourth child to the family.
The dynamic competitor is the 19th all-time leading scorer in league history, amassing 236 points over 26 games. McLaughlin is third all-time in Moncton scoring history behind leader Jenna Jones and Leo Elbert.
‘I’m so grateful to be back with the Mystics again,’ McLaughlin said. ‘I wasn’t sure I would be able to make it work. Life with four young kids is extremely busy, but being on the court for this short season has always been such a fulfilling and refreshing experience.’
For McLaughlin, it’s about love of game.
‘It allows me to step back into an identity that was such a dominant part of my life for so long, even as it’s taken a back seat more recently to being a mom, a wife, and a working professional,’ she said. ‘I’m never sure how much longer my body will allow me to compete at this level, but I’m eager to give it a try for one more season. I’m excited to compete against much younger competition and to see my kids — and the kids I coach in the Moncton Basketball Association— in the stands.’
The Mystics also made some noise when they announced the signing of Sammie Martin.
At six-foot-two, the Sudbury, ON, native played for Team Canada at the FIBA Under-18 world championship and was named a BioSteel All Canadian at the interscholastic level.
Martin went on to play three seasons of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball at Northeastern University in Boston. She returned to Canada to complete a Master’s degree and helping coach the under-19 London Ramblers Ontario Basketball Association (OBA).
She brings a heavy heart into MWBA competition.
The season carries deep personal meaning. Martin’s dad Sam, the person who first introduced her to basketball and her biggest supporter, won’t be in the stands after recently passing away. His influence remains central to her journey, and she carries that with her onto the court, motivated to honour him and make him proud.
‘I’m so excited to have the opportunity to play basketball again, and be a part of the Mystics this season,’ Martin said. ‘We have a really strong group of ladies. We all work hard and work well together. I think we’re going to have a great run. My dad got me into basketball, and this will be the first time I’m playing without having him here with me. I can’t wait to make him proud this year.’
Mewanwhile, Sadie Bowen will have an opportunity to play with McLaughlin and Martin for the first time.
Bowen returns to the Mystics for her second season after another Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association campaign in 2025-26 with the Mount Allison University Mounties of Sackville.
The six-foot-one post had an impressive rookie MWBA campaign, averaging 7.7 points per game and appearing in all 10 Moncton games.
The Antigonish, NS, product placed in the top 10 in rebounds and blocks.
– Kelsey McLaughlin is one of the MWBA all-time scoring leaders. (DW Photo)
