Hartland Community School's Laura Nancekievill will have numerous balls up in the air next season after committing to the Soccer and Basketball teams at St. Thomas University.

The 6-foot incoming recruit will suit up for Head Coach Michelle DeCourcey as a Goalkeeper for the Soccer team, and then move to the Women's Basketball team under Head Coach Fred Connors as a forward.

"When I was contacted by Coach Connors and Coach DeCourcey about possibly coming to STU to play for both the basketball and soccer teams, I was excited as I knew that both teams have had strong rankings in the previous years," mentions the 2-time Female Varsity Athlete of the Year at her school. 

Coach Michelle DeCourcey lauds her prospect since Laura "brings impressive versatility to the team, possessing the ability to be a strong contender for a starting spot in goal or as an attacking field player. With her work ethic and unique skill set, we look forward to watching her excel on the pitch, on the court, and in the classroom!"

Basketball Coach Fred Connors and his staff is looking forward to adding her size, skills and abilities to the program.  "She is well coached by former Hoops Tommies Star Pam (Carvell) Underhill.  She is tough and versatile. She has 3 point range and tremendous hands thanks to her keeper skills in soccer."

In recent years, there have been rare occasions where student-athletes compete in two different team sports.  Coach Connors calls Laura "a very unique athlete in that she has shown the ability to play both Soccer and Basketball at the College level.  I knew we had a situation here at STU where both programs could benefit from Laura's abilities. She excels academically and has a tremendous work ethic." 

Nancekievill earned many honours through her career and been on the big stage multiple times.  She counts two Final 12 Basketball appearances, including a Player of the Game in the Championship match, as well as a 2-time Club Soccer Provincial Champions with Western Valley and an NBIAA Banner for the Huskies in 2019-2020.

Turning to academics, Laura was attracted to St. Thomas because of the Criminology program.  "As this is the field of study I wish to pursue, I look forward to learning and developing in a small class setting."

Nancekievill should fit in with campus life smoothly. "I’ve also had friends from the past few years that have went to STU and have had nothing but good things to say about the school and its staff."