Conestoga College has a celebrated history of excellence within the varsity program, but this year two standout stars have rewritten the history books in women’s sport. Basketball player Jamila Beckford (876 points) and volleyball player Bianca Marchetti (641 points) have each broken the career points scored records, solidifying their legacies as two of the greatest athletes in Condors’ history. Their stories, marked by perseverance, leadership, and talent, serve as an inspiration for teammates and future players alike. 

Jamila Beckford: Leading on the Court and in the Record Books 

Born and raised in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, Jamila Beckford’s basketball journey started later than most. “I started in high school because my coach pushed me to join a rep team,” she recalled. “I was the last person to walk onto the team because they didn’t have enough girls to play. It wasn’t something I planned, but it became something I loved.”

Jamila joined the Condors in 2017 after being recruited by Head Coach Dee Channer, whose player-focused approach stood out to her. “Coach Dee really cares about her players, and her vision for the team resonated with me,” Jamila said. Jamila’s first year at Conestoga started slowly as she adapted to the faster pace and higher level of competition in OCAA basketball. By her end of her first year Jamila was thriving as she led the Condors in scoring and led the OCAA in rebounds. “That year was when I really started to excel,” she recalled. “It was when I got comfortable in my game, and everything started to click.”

After taking a break from the game at the end of 2019 to refocus on her education and career, Jamila returned in 2024 with renewed determination. Despite the challenges of rebuilding her fitness and basketball skills after the hiatus, she worked tirelessly to prepare for the season. “I started with one session a week and worked my way up to practicing with the team,” she said. “It was a big transition, but I was dedicated to getting back into shape.”

Her hard work quickly paid off as she shattered the Condors’ all-time records for career points and rebounds early in the season. “It was incredibly rewarding knowing all the hard work paid off,” she said. “Breaking it this early in the season is motivating because I have more time to keep pushing it and leading it further.”

Jamila credits her success to the support of her teammates and mentors, highlighting the influence of fellow players like Megan White (current Assistant Coach for the Condors) and Maddie Weber. “Maddie’s been my rock—she’s always there to motivate me when I need it most,” Jamila said. Looking ahead, Jamila hopes to surpass 1,000 career points and lead the Condors to an OCAA championship. “I want to win one before I’m done,” she emphasized.

Head Coach Dee Channer praised Jamila’s milestone, saying: “Breaking the Condors total points record with 862 points is an incredible achievement, and I couldn’t be prouder of Jamila. She’s one of the strongest, hardest-working players I’ve had the privilege of coaching. Whether it’s grinding in the offseason or giving her all in every practice, she sets the tone for everyone around her. This milestone is a testament to her dedication, and her impact on the Condors program will be felt for years to come.”

Bianca Marchetti: Setting New Standards for Condors Volleyball

Bianca Marchetti’s journey to becoming the Condors’ all-time leading scorer in women’s volleyball is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Hailing from Richmond Hill, Bianca began playing volleyball in elementary school and played competitively until high school, when she briefly stepped away from the sport. “I just didn’t like it anymore,” she admitted. “I wanted to focus on being a lifeguard, and I wasn’t vibing with the team at the time.”

After an online stint at Humber College during the pandemic, Bianca transferred to Conestoga and joined the volleyball team through a highlight video she sent to the coach. “I wasn’t recruited—I just sent in a video and joined the team,” she said. “It worked out pretty well!”

Bianca’s rookie year was a standout, earning her Rookie of the Year honours and a spot on the OCAA All-Star team. “I was nervous at first because we had strong veteran captains like Olivia Bender, but they helped guide me,” she shared. Over time, she transitioned from middle blocker to outside hitter, a role she described as significantly more demanding. “The new position was more reps, more time on the court, and a lot more responsibility,” Bianca explained. “It was hard, but I grew into it.”

Now in her third year and now serving as team captain, Bianca’s leadership has been instrumental to the team’s success. Her record-breaking moment came unexpectedly during a recent win at Sheridan College. “I didn’t even know I was close to the record,” she said. “After the game, they announced it in the locker room, and I was just thrilled. I love breaking records!”

 Bianca’s success is rooted in her dedication and the influence of past mentors, including Olivia Bender, whose record she broke. “Liv was an incredible player—confident and inspiring. I hope to leave a legacy like hers,” Bianca said.

 Looking ahead, Bianca aims to continue breaking records and fostering a strong foundation for future players. “I want to grow the program and help set a foundation for the girls who will carry it forward,” she said.

Women’s Volleyball Head Coach and Manager, Varsity and Community Engagement, Matthew Schnarr commended Bianca’s achievement, saying: “On behalf of the women’s volleyball program and the athletics department, we would like to congratulate Bianca on becoming the Condors All-Time Leading Scorer. Bianca’s arrival in Fall 2022 has put the volleyball program on the map competitively in the tough OCAA West Division. Bianca is a dynamic offensive player from the service line and at the net where she excels in scoring points with her very strong arm. What impresses me and the coaching staff the most is her soft-spoken mentality as a leader. She leads by her play at the net but is working on becoming a more complete player through other skills on the court while working on her ability to lead her teammates. Congrats to Bianca on etching her name in the Condor record books.”

Parallel Paths: Building Legacies

 Though their sports are different, Jamila and Bianca’s paths share striking similarities. Both athletes joined the Condors with modest expectations but quickly rose to prominence through hard work and resilience. They’ve also embraced leadership roles, becoming role models for their teammates and ambassadors for Conestoga athletics. 

“I hope to inspire future players to aim high, both on and off the court,” Jamila said. Bianca echoed the sentiment, adding, “I want people to remember my name and what I’ve done for this program. Leaving a positive legacy is so important to me.”

Both athletes have ambitious goals for the future. Jamila is determined to lead the Condors to an OCAA championship, while Bianca is focused on elevating the volleyball program and continuing her dominance on the court. Together, their achievements represent a bright future for women’s sport at Conestoga.

Condors Soaring

Jamila Beckford and Bianca Marchetti exemplify what it means to be a Condor: talented, driven, and dedicated to their teams. Their record-breaking achievements are not just personal milestones but a testament to the strength and potential of Conestoga athletics. As they continue to build their legacies, they serve as an inspiration for teammates, coaches, and the whole Conestoga community alike.

 For Jamila and Bianca, this is only the beginning. Their stories remind us that with determination and support, greatness is always within reach.

 Congratulations Jamila and Bianca!