Four St. Thomas University Tommies were acknowledged by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association as Academic All-Canadians for the 2017-2018 season.

The Academic All-Canadian award is the most prestigious honour given by the CCAA as it's presented to student athletes who achieve all-star status in their conference while maintaining a high academic standing.

This year, Jessica Patenaude of women's basketball, Christian Christie of men's volleyball, and Kaleigh Roberts and Victoria Muise of women's soccer earned the distinction.

Roberts, a first-year midfielder from Moncton, NB, said representing the Green and Gold in the classroom is just as important as succeeding on the field.

"Being involved in university sport helps me set and achieve goals, it gives me pride in my school, and it makes me want to thrive not just in competition but in all aspects of my experience at STU," she said. "I took my motivation for success on the field applied it to my academics and have found success."

With this year's award winners, the Tommies have earned 59 CCAA Academic All-Canadian awards since 2001-2002.