Recruit Alert
The Tommies Women's Rugby team heads to the hub of New Brunswick and hauls in Harrison Trimble product Karin Akulov for the upcoming ACAA season.
The Moncton, NB native will look to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work when she moves to Fredericton, and continue with the Master of Social Work program offered at STU once she completes her undergraduate degree.
"I chose St. Thomas because it has one of the best social work programs and it's a home away from home," said Karin.
The lock and flanker was also the captain of her high school team for her final season in the NBIAA and brings an air of positivity to her current group and looks to do the same in the Capital City.
"I will bring my positive leadership, consistent encouragement and willingness to learn, so that I can adapt and help the team compete," she said.
Head Coach Becca Baker and her coaching staff are excited at the prospect of developing Karin after seeing her develop at the SMART Rugby tournament in Moncton.
"Karin is confident on the field and supports her teammates with ease. Karin takes a captainship lead, she looks to guide the younger, less experienced players through each play. Karin is confidant in contact, she tackles hard and works hard to secure rucks. She will bring size to our forwards this year,” Becca said.
Akulov learned rugby late, but looked up to her brother on developing her skills and physicality which will be well suited for next season.
"Karin’s vocality on and off the field and excitement and passion for playing will add to the team culture that we have been creating with the Tommies over the last few years,” said the bench boss
Karin is the latest addition to the Women's Rugby team for the 2023-2024 season after the announcements of Vanessa Thompson, Aurora Sutton, Madelyn Walsh and Maleah Welton.
The 2023 ACAA Rugby schedule will be announced in May, with Season Passes on sale in August and training camp opening in late August for the STU Rugby teams.