In the last five years for the Huskies women’s basketball program, there have been highs and lows, but the one consistent piece throughout the entire journey has been Jaycelyn Valencia.

Right from the start, the 5’4” guard stood out on the court. Her discipline, tenacity, and work ethic were immediately evident. From that moment until her final game, that foundation helped her grow and learn more about herself.

“When I first got here, I had talent and confidence, but I was still raw. I was trying to prove myself instead of understanding who I already was. Now, I walk with purpose. I’ve grown into someone who doesn’t just rely on ability, I bring discipline, leadership, and a mindset that’s built through experience. As an athlete, I’ve evolved into someone who understands the game deeper, competes at a higher level, and leads by example every single day,” she explained.

The North York, Ont., native went on to play in 63 games, starting 46 of them, and recorded 261 points, 178 rebounds, 164 assists, and 85 steals. She played a key role in helping the Huskies host a playoff game in two of her five seasons. Despite the loss in her final game, a first-round playoff matchup at home against the Lambton Lions, she delivered a strong performance, going 4-for-7 from the field, including three three-pointers, finishing with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. Those are the types of moments she will never forget.

“My favorite moments are the ones where everything was on the line, the intense games, the pressure situations, the moments where you either step up or you don’t. Those are the moments I live for. Competing at that level, with my teammates beside me, knowing we’re all locked in, that’s something I’ll never forget,” she said.

Working with teammates throughout the summer to build toward those moments, and creating lifelong bonds, are aspects Valencia will miss most when the 2026–2027 OCAA season begins.

“I’ll miss the sisterhood the most. The everyday grind, the practices, the energy before games, the moments that people don’t see, that’s what made it special. Those relationships and that environment are hard to replace,” she stated. “It meant everything. Wearing that jersey came with pride and responsibility. Every time I stepped on the court, I knew I was representing more than myself, I was representing a program, a culture, and everyone who came before me. That’s something I never took lightly.”

Over five years, a student-athlete grows tremendously while balancing athletics, academics, and personal life. During that time, Valencia learned one key lesson about herself.

I’ve learned that I’m built for adversity. No matter what was thrown at me, pressure, setbacks, expectations, I didn’t fold,” she explained. “I adapted, I stayed consistent, and I kept showing up. That taught me that my mindset is my biggest strength, and as long as I have that, I can handle anything.”

Closing one chapter and starting another can be challenging, but Valencia believes her time with the Huskies has prepared her well.

“This program prepared me for real life. It taught me discipline, how to lead, how to stay focused under pressure, and how to keep pushing when things aren’t going your way. Those are lessons that go beyond sports, they’re going to carry me through everything I do next,” she said.

Family is the first word that comes to Valencia’s mind when she thinks of the George Brown Huskies. It’s a time in her life that helped shape her into the woman she is today, and she is proud of the legacy she leaves behind.

“I’m proud of the journey. Not just the wins, but everything it took to get here, the sacrifices, the growth, the setbacks. Being a Husky shaped me into who I am today, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me,” she said. “I hope I’ve left a legacy of intensity, resilience, and leadership. Someone who competed at a high level every time they stepped on the court and set the tone for others. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t just play, but made an impact.”