Local soccer standout John Hunter will be staying close to home next year.

The Ecole Sainte-Anne grad has decided to attend St. Thomas University and suit up for the Tommies in the fall.

"I chose STU because I hear nothing but good things about the university. I believe it will provide a great academic atmosphere," Hunter said.

"Another factor was soccer. The team is full of great guys and it will be a good opportunity for me to grow as an athlete."

Hunter, a skilled centre back, was a member of the U18 Fredericton District Soccer Association squad that claimed the provincial title and attended Canada Soccer nationals last fall. He's also competed with Team New Brunswick.

Bringing in a strong recruit with a winning background was important to Tommies head coach John-Ryan Morrison, who's looking to take STU back to the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championship final this season.

"It's hard to teach a winning mentality, so it's important when we are building an ACAA championship team we recruit players who know what it takes to win," Morrison said.

"John already fits in perfectly with the squad. He's a solid back that can play multiple positions on the field and I see him as a future conference all-star."

Hunter, who plans to study Economics, is patient and skilled on the pitch. He also brings an element of physicality to the game.

"Next season I hope to bring strength and stability at the back line," he said. "My goal is to continue improving my skills and have a successful rookie season."

Morrison is hoping Hunter is only the first of four players from the FDSA U18 team to choose STU.

"We're bringing in a lot of great guys from across Canada and the states, but there are lots of great local players too," Morrison said. "I hope the signing of John shows them all our intent as a soccer program moving forward."

Hunter is the second new addition to be announced by the Tommies program. He's joined by Alex Soulet of New Hampshire in the 2016-17 recruiting class.