Name: Josh Oakes

Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario

Position: Wing Back / Defensive Mid

Prospective Program: Economics

Following the announcement of Evan Rees joining the men’s soccer program in 2020-21, his club teammate Josh Oakes has made the commitment to come east as well.

The wingback/defensive mid will come to Fredericton via the Berlin Football Academy in Ontario.

Head coach JR Morrison was more than impressed with Oakes during his campus trial in January.

“Josh is a really exciting prospect and we beat out a lot of good programs for his signature. I think Josh was swayed to us by the whole package STU can offer academically and athletically. He also mentioned to me 3 or 4 times that weekend how welcoming everyone was during his campus tour weekend.”

Morrison also stated that Oakes is “calm on the ball, distributes well and the physicality of the league won’t scare him a bit.” He also went on to say that Oakes will come into camp and challenge for a starting role.

Oakes mirrored Morrison’s sentiments about his style of play.

“I will definitely bring an intense, yet fun mentality to practice and games, respect for my coaches and teammates, commitment to my team and academics, love for the sport, training hard in practices and also putting in the work in my free time.”

“I chose St. Thomas because of how friendly everyone was on campus and how it is such a tight knit community. Another factor was to obtain such a great education and also play soccer for the Tommies while training at such great facilities and playing at nice fields. When I met the team, they were so welcoming and fun to be around which was a great feeling.”