The balancing act of being a high-level student athlete is never an easy one to maintain. Ten Tommies were honored for their academic efforts during the 2017-18 seasons by being named Academic All Canadians; five from the women's hockey team, three from the track team and two from the cross-country team.

This will stand as the third year in a row women's hockey player Kristina Kocsis has been awarded this distinction.

"Being named an Academic All-Canadian recognizes high performance in two aspects of my life that I focus a majority of my time and efforts on," said the fourth-year defenseman. "It awards success in both academics and athletics, which is a great feeling to accomplish."

Kocsis has been able to perform at a high level both in the classroom and on the ice due to her dedication and expecting a lot of herself, contributing one goal and seven assists over 23 games played last season.

"It takes full dedication and effort to achieve high performance both in the classroom and on the ice. You must be committed to achieving your best in both settings. I expect the best from myself and set standards that I will be proud of myself for achieving."

First year cross country and track coach Nicholas Larade has yet to experience the academic challenges as a coach but has a wealth of experience as a student athlete, competing for the UNB Varsity Reds during his time there.

"From personal experience, I know that juggling academic and athletic requirements can be a big challenge," said Larade. "I am proud to be taking charge of a team where all five of our Academic All-Canadians are returning for the upcoming season, and I hope to continue developing student athletes that successfully balance academic and athletic excellence."

 With the ten honorees being named this brings the total to 336 Academic All Canadian awards for the Tommies since 1990. 

2017-18 Recipients

Grace Baker                                        Women's Track
Kelly Brennan                                    Women's Track
Hannah Clarke                                   Women's Track
Jensen Elliot                                       Women's Track
Alaina Mejia                                       Women's Cross Country
Abby Clarke                                        Women's Ice Hockey
Stephanie Ford                                 Women's Ice Hockey
Kristina Kocsis                                    Women's Ice Hockey
Samantha Squires                            Women's Ice Hockey
Alexandra Swift                                Women's Ice Hockey