Fredericton,NB - St. Thomas University (STU) Athletics is proud to introduce Gabriel Kim as the new head coach for the women's rugby program. Hailing from Aylmer, Quebec, Gabriel brings a wealth of coaching experience and a passion for player development to the Tommies.

When asked about his new position, Gabriel expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm very excited to be taking on this role. With a very young team, I'm looking forward to building up the program and seeing each athlete's growth within it."

Gabriel emphasized his commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive team culture, stating, "We begin by building team culture and values together, through a fluid process year by year. We keep each other accountable to the expectations we all set together, allowing us to have a 'we, not me' attitude."

With regards to player development and skill enhancement, Gabriel outlined his strategy, saying, "The aim is to create curious and creative players, giving them the individual agency to explore and problem solve independently. By blending this with strong technical skills and an identified team identity, we can foster both individual and team success."

Gabriel brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Tommies, having coached rugby in Wales, as well as at the USport level with Bishop's University and with provincial programs such as Spruce Academy, Women’s U17, &  Women’s U19.

Regarding academic and character development alongside athletic performance, Gabriel emphasized goal setting and accountability, stating, "When building our team's mission/vision, this applies to all aspects of being a student athlete. Team expectations apply on the field just as much as in the classroom."

Looking towards recruitment for the Fall 2025 season, Gabriel plans to recruit strong academic candidates who show potential in the sport, emphasizing a multi-sport approach to attract athletes seeking a fulfilling varsity post-secondary experience.

Reflecting on past achievements, Gabriel highlighted his tenure as defense coach at Bishop's University, where he helped establish a new defensive identity and philosophy, leading to the team's first.500 season in over a decade and notable performances against top-ranked opponents.

Looking ahead, Gabriel envisions key goals and objectives for the women's rugby program, including developing team identity, establishing a brand of play, and striving to make the Tommies the "go-to" place for university women's rugby in New Brunswick.

St. Thomas University Athletics is excited to welcome Gabriel Kim to the Tommies family and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the women's rugby program under his leadership.

For media inquiries please contact:

Martin Carvajal, Sports Information Officer

mcarvajal@stu.ca