Although Covid has put a halt to recruitment travel, the Tommies Women's Basketball program has attracted BC product Olina Ross for the 2021-22 season.

The Vikes Basketball Club player will be joining the Green & Gold this Fall to attend St. Thomas University.  "I'm excited to further my education and play the game I love. I understand the balance between academics and athletics, and I am focused on excelling in both areas."

Moving from the West Coast isn't always an easy decision for an upcoming high school graduate.  The Claremont High student said "after talking with Coach Connors, Vanessa Soffee, Celine Sterckel and Mary Besselink for several weeks, I knew this was the place for me."

"Although I could not visit Fredericton or the STU campus due to the pandemic, I learned as much as I could through the eye of others," mentions Olina about moving to a new provincial capital.

Coach Connors was excited about the prospect of Olina landing on STU campus.  "We knew from the first email that she was someone of great character that we wanted in our program. Olina is an excellent addition to our program”.

“The coaching staff is very impressed with Olina’s work ethic and attitude. Her offensive game translates well to our style of play because of her versatility," Connors mentions looking to return to the top of the ACAA conference.  "She is a tremendous defender who loves to play physical basketball and is an elite level athlete" 

"I am looking forward to introducing myself to the Fredericton and STU community. College is a time of new beginnings, new towns and new people.  I will wear STU and Fredericton proudly on my sleeve."

Ross is the fourth recruit announced by the STU Women's Basketball team in the Fall of 2021, joining Abby Ring-Dineen, Laura Nancekievill and Alyssa Jeffrey.