Deidra Jones is the 2017-2018 STU Tommies female Athlete of the Year.

Jones, who is finishing out her career as a Tommie, earned an ACAA first team all-conference award and was second in the conference in service aces with 54, third in kills with 160, third in points with 224, and fourth in digs with 187. She was also dubbed the women's volleyball team MVP.

Her leadership was key for the young Tommies team that claimed a silver medal after a strong playoff run on home court. Jones was a force throughout that weekend, amassing 36 kills and 35 digs in three games.

"It's a lot about passion," Jones said. "I show a lot of passion on the court and the girls feed off of it. It's an easy thing to catch on to."

The Coxheath, NS, native said Fredericton—and St. Thomas—have left a lasting impression.

"I've never seen a bigger support system from a school, for athletes and students in general. Fredericton stole my heart, so I'm going to stay around for a while."