Fred Connors has his first recruit of the 2023 class - Ella Hoyt, a 5'5" guard from Saint John, NB, has commited to St. Thomas for the 2023-24 season.

Hoyt, who currently plays for the Saint Malachys High School Saints, said she chose STU for their smaller class size and with hopes of taking the education program after her bachelors.

"They have a great education program once you finish your bachelors, and the class sizes are smaller," Hoyt said. "You get to know your classmates and professors better."

Hoyt doesn't just thrive in one sports - she's a multi-sport athlete, who competes in field hockey, rugby and volleyball. Connors is excited for Hoyt to join the lineup next season, saying she is a dynamic player.

"She is a very good shooter and handles the ball well," Connors said. "She is an excellent on the ball defender and isn’t scared to mix it up physically against bigger players.  Her coach speaks very highly of her. I feel she is going to be a very good player in our league in a short period of time."