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Fredericton, NB – The St. Thomas University Tommies men's volleyball roster will boast international talent this season.

Braden Cook, of Perth, Australia, will be joining the Green and Gold for 2018-2019, becoming the first international recruit in the program's history.

After spending the past few seasons with the Norwood Bears of the Adelaide Volleyball League, the six-foot-three middle blocker decided to pursue a collegiate volleyball career in North America.  

"I chose St. Thomas University after speaking with Coach Mallet about the team goals and how the team operates. After hearing about each of these, I was extremely excited to become a part of the culture and push for a national championship," Cook said.

Head Coach Henri Mallet was persistent in recruiting the 19-year old and was thrilled to have him accept a place on the Tommies roster.

"Braden shows all-around control on the volleyball court. He has great vision offensively and makes great reads on defence when he is up at the net," Mallet said. "He will be a great addition to our already strong core and we're excited to get him in the rotation this season."

Despite being far away from home, Cook said his love for volleyball will help ease his transition to life in Fredericton at St. Thomas.

"I'm extremely excited to be playing volleyball at a high level and develop as a player. I'm also looking forward to experiencing a different culture and making new friends to share the experience with," Cook said.

"I have friends playing in Alberta, and after hearing stories about the experience they're having in Canada, I wanted to pursue the opportunity for myself."

Cook joins Benson Garchinski of Biggar, Saskatchewan, and Henry Doucet of Truro, Nova Scotia, as the third member of the 2018-2019 recruiting class.