The St. Thomas University Tommies women's rugby team will have added experience and versatility this season with the addition of Melissa Totten.

Totten, of Truro, NS, brings a solid rugby background to the Tommies. She competed for three years with her high school team at the Cobequid Educational Centre—which she captained in her senior year and was named team MVP—as well as the Truro Saints rugby club. 

Tommies head coach Meghan Morrison believes Totten will be a good fit for the STU program.

"We're excited to be adding Melissa to our team," she said. "Not only does she have great technical skills, but her love of the game and positive attitude are a perfect fit for the Tommies' rugby program."

Totten will be playing in the scrum for the Tommies in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association, but Morrison said she can transition into a number of positions.

The future Tommie is looking forward to taking her game to the next level at STU.

"I compete and play hard. I love the physical contact," Totten said. "Rugby has taught me passion, determination, commitment, loyalty, and respect. It's the perfect sport for my need to be challenged and feel accepted."

Totten is equally excited to be continuing her education at St. Thomas—a university she said stood out for its expertise in social sciences.

"For as long as I can remember, I've wanted a career in a social sciences field and during the process of choosing a university, STU continually stood out when asking questions related to society and social relationships," Totten said.

"The teaching staff is also recognized as the top in their field, and I wanted to learn from professionals that have practiced in their field."

Totten is the first recruit to be announced by the Tommies, who finished as ACAA silver medalists last season.