Vada Benoit 
Hometown: Miramichi, NB 
Position: Flank/8-man/Centre  
Club: Slammin’ Salmon Club 
Potential Program: Education 

The second addition to the ’22-23 Tommies’ women’s rugby recruiting class is Vada Benoit, of Miramichi, NB.  

Much like recruiting classmate Alexis Falconer, Benoit comes to the Tommies via Miramichi Valley High School and the Slammin’ Salmon rugby club in Miramichi, and will join her cousin, Savannah Simon, on the Tommies.  

Benoit is a versatile forward, capable of playing multiple positions in the forward group, while having experience playing both rugby 7s and 15s. With the Tommies graduating several key members of the forward group this year, incoming head coach, Rebecca Baker, knew she would need to address that group through recruiting.  

“Vada is a young, versatile player who has played a number of different positions. As many of our graduates this year are forwards, we are excited to have Vada fill in some gaps,” said Baker about her latest recruit.  

Benoit, who aspires to get into the education program at St. Thomas, says it's been a dream of hers since the sixth grade to attend STU.  

“I chose St. Thomas University after attending a drama festival in the sixth grade,” said Benoit. “We learned about how the classes were small and how things run. The teacher I was with went to STU and told us how great it was. Ever since then I have wanted to come to STU.” 

Benoit says she will bring “camaraderie and team spirit” to the Tommies’ program, while holding her teammates accountable. “I am disciplined on the field and dedicated to my teammates and the common goal. I like to motivate my teammates towards that common goal as well,” added Benoit.  

“Vada’s hard work and self-discipline will make her an effective player for the Tommies immediately. From our conversations with her, we look forward to the inclusive energy and passion for the sport she will be bringing with her, and we are excited to see her growth with the program over the next four years.”