The St. Thomas University Tommies women’s volleyball are pleased to announce that their first recruit for the 2022-23 season is Elle Kilburn.

Kilburn is currently in her final year at Fredericton High School while also playing for the U18 Fredericton Spartans volleyball club, coached by Natasha Dube and a pair of former Tommies, Hannah Millier and Veronique McGrath.

Dube has high praise for the 6’ middle, who has a 7’4” standing reach (4 ½ inches above the net).

“Having coached her the past two seasons in the Spartans 18U program, Elle epitomizes a well-rounded student-athlete,” said Dube. “She spends hours perfecting her technique and volleyball IQ during practices and additional sessions in our Academy Program. She, at her young age, already gives back to the sport as a coach and an official. Her height and blocking ability will be her greatest assets at the ACAA level but she has a strong serve and tremendous leadership abilities on and off the court.”

Tommies’ women’s volleyball head coach, Don McKay, knows there is more to being a Tommies than just their ability to play the sport as he and the women’s volleyball team won the 2018-19 Leroy Washburn Community Award, given to the team who makes the greatest impact on the Fredericton community. McKay knows he’s getting more than just an athlete with Kilburn.

“She has a strong work ethic, a good attitude, and is always a pleasant person to be around,” said McKay about his first recruit for the upcoming season. “I have been fortunate enough to work with her at summer volleyball camps and have seen her bring energy to what she does. She loves to interact and foster relationships with others. She has played for coach Storey and I believe she will fit in well with her STU teammates. The strong part of her game is up front and I look forward to adding her at the net with the likes of Maddie MacGregor, Sydney Doyle and Ryley Horton.”

Kilburn, who currently sports a 96% average at FHS, has an interest in child psychology, in hopes of pursuing a career in youth sports.

“I choose to go to STU for its excellent psychology program and it’s welcoming atmosphere,” said Kilburn about her decision process. “The volleyball team called to me because of coach McKay and Storey’s coaching styles, and the supportive environment they instill in their players. It is obvious that this years young team has bonded quickly and are very supportive of each other. I would like to be part of that.”