Vanessa Thompson
Hometown: Riverview, NB 
Position: Second row / prop
Club: Moncton Black Tide
Potential Program: Criminology

The Tommies' Women's rugby team have bolstered their forward depth for the 2023-24 season, adding Vanessa Thompson of the Riverview High School Royals and Moncton Black Tide. STU head coach Becca Baker expects Thompson to add competitiveness to the Tommies' front row next season, describing her as a strong and determined player who carries a deep passion for the sport. Thompson, also known as "T-Tackles" for her bone-crushing hits on the pitch, expects her love for the game and positive attitude to be her biggest strengths for the Tommies.

“I am always the person to start blasting music and wanting to get everyone pumped for games and practices. I love to be a team player and do team bonding," Thompson said. "I am also extremely dedicated and practically breath rugby every single day. Plus, I have been known to throw people down in tackles like a sack of potatoes as I take strength training very seriously.”

Baker said her strength will also be an asset to her squad next season.

“Vanessa’s passion and dedication to the sport will make her an asset to our forwards next season," Baker said. "Vanessa is not afraid of contact; she is strong in her tackles and breaks through the defensive line with ease. It often takes more than one defender to stop her. We are excited to have her joining us.”

Academically, Thompson expects STU to be a great fit. She said she fell in love with STU's campus and the idea of small class sizes. She plans on entering the criminology program.

“There was no doubt in my mind that the criminology program is one of the best in the province," she said.