Carissa McTague of the St. Thomas University Tommies was recognized as one of the best in Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association women's basketball.

The Rothesay, NB, native was named to the ACAA's second all-conference team and was the lone Tommies' award winner.

In her final season with the Green and Gold, McTague averaged 11 points, nine rebounds, and two assists per game. She finished second in team scoring and was the second best rebounder in the conference.

Tommies head coach Fred Connors was thrilled to see McTague receive recognition from the league in her final season.

"I'm very excited for Carissa," he said. "It's great to see her receive an all-conference award after five years of being such an unselfish, team-focused player. I'm glad her career is going to end with her receiving some reward and recognition for that."

McTague joined the STU squad in 2012 and was a member of the 2012-13 and 2013-14 ACAA championship teams. She was also a key player in the Tommies' silver-medal finish at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championships in Montreal.

"That was one of the craziest experiences I've had as a Tommie," McTague said.  "There have been many highlights over the last five years, but that's one I'll never forget."

Although she's found success on the court, McTague said the relationships are what she'll miss the most after her playing days are over.

"Each year you get the chance to meet and play with new teammates, and it's something I will forever be grateful for. This program gave me my best friends," she said.

"I'll miss being a player, but I'll mostly miss my coaches because they've taught me things over the years that have helped me grow into the person and player I am today."

After she completes her studies at St. Thomas, McTague plans to pursue a career in policing—something her time as a Tommie has helped prepare her for.  

"I've learned a lot over the years about myself and about how to deal with others. That's something I'm happy to walk away with from the program."

McTague and her Tommies defeated the University of King's College Blue Devils 68-61 in the ACAA quarterfinals Friday morning and will face the Holland College Hurricanes in the conference semifinal.