On Friday afternoon via social media the St. Thomas University Tommies honoured their Male and Female Athletes of the Year.  

Taking home the awards for the 2019-20 season were Vanessa Soffee of the women’s basketball team and Christian Christie of the men’s volleyball team.  

Soffee, a second year point guard from Fredericton, took her game to the next level this year bettering every single statistic she had from last season while leading the Tommies to 1st place finish in the ACAA regular season. Last year’s ACAA and team Rookie of the Year was named a CCAA All-Canadian, ACAA Player of the Year and ACAA Defensive Player of the Year.  

“We have been very fortunate to have some remarkable women and players in our program,” said head coach, Fred Connors. “What Vanessa did this year has never been done before in our program. That puts her in with some pretty amazing players and women. Personally, I love coaching Vanessa. She is a tremendous kid with a huge heart.  Her quiet demeanor can be misunderstood. I feel very fortunate that I have gotten to know how great of a person she is.” 

Christie, a perennial ACAA All-Star, also stepped his game up this year leading the Tommies to an ACAA banner.  

The third year outside hitter from Langley, BC was the driving force behind the Tommies ACAA dominance this past season, as he was named a CCAA All-Canadian and ACAA Player of the Year as he bettered almost all major numbers per set from last season. 

“He is the type of player and person that helps elevate a program to the next level. He really turned the corner this season and became a vocal leader on and off the court,” said Tommies head coach, Henri Mallet. “Chris has been instrumental in developing a culture that embodies hard work and determination. He gives 100% effort towards anything he puts his mind to, and that effort has paid off in the form of numerous accolades this season. You would be hard pressed to find someone else in the ACAA that works as hard as Chris.”