The women's basketball team at St. Thomas University is adding size and athleticism to its roster for 2016-17.
Becca MacNeil, an athletic guard from Cape Breton, NS, and Morgan George, a five-foot-11 forward from Truro, NS, will join the Tommies on the court in the fall.
MacNeil is a successful multi-sport athlete from Glace Bay High School, having won regional titles in soccer, softball, rugby, and basketball in the last two years.
As her team's second highest scorer on the hardwood this season, MacNeil helped Glace Bay earn the 2015-16 regional title and finish second in the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation. She was rewarded with an all-star selection, her second in two years.
Last season, MacNeil was named the Cape Breton Basketball League Defensive Player of the Year and also received the Top Defensive Player award for her team.
"Becca was well-coached in Cape Breton where she really established herself as a great defender with an elite level work ethic," Tommies head coach Fred Connors said.
"We're going to work on her offensive game, but her unselfishness and team-first attitude will be a tremendous addition to the Tommies."
MacNeil boasts an impressive off-court resume too, warranting her selection as a STU Leadership Scholarship recipient. She's maintained high academic standing while being actively involved in the community through Kiwanis Key Leaders, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids, Relay for Life, and the Food Bank. She also organized the Noel Bramwell Classic, a basketball tournament for elementary school girls in honour of her former coach who lost his battle with cancer.
"Becca is a quality individual who understands the value in giving back," Connors said. "Her off court resume is as impressive as anyone we have brought into the program."
George, who brings size and length to the Tommies, joins the Green and Gold after a successful high school career with the Cobequid Educational Centre. Her squad claimed the regional title in 2013-14 and 2015-16, and finished third at the provincial championships.
"We're very excited to add Morgan because of her length and athleticism. She can play multiple positions and comes from a program that played up-tempo basketball," Connors said. "At five-feet-11, her length should also make her a disruptive defender."
The soon-to-be high school grad is also involved in the community. She's a familiar face at the junior high breakfast program and has assisted in coaching the Cougar and Cub basketball camps for youth in her area.
MacNeil and George join Sussex's Bridget Frazee, Saint John's Emily Sheils, and Fredericton's Madison Owens and Taylor Forsythe in the 2016-17 recruiting class.