The young St. Thomas University Tommies just about pulled off bringing home their first ACAA Championship since 2008 in the 2021-22 season - after a cinderalla run which saw them defeat the undefeated Holland College Hurricanes in the semi-finals, the Tommies were unable to get by the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics in the championships. Now, the Tommies head into the new season with more expeirence, yet still remain one of the youngest teams in the ACAA.

The Tommies only had two graduating players last season, with Caitlin Jones and Hailee Fleck departing at last season's end. This season, there is only one graduate - Danica Godin, Tommies co-captain. 

They'll have several new faces this season with Jasmine Warrington (Harvey, NB) joining the team after being a redshirt last season. Kathleen Boyle (Fredericton, NB), Elle Kilburn (Fredericton, NB) and Katelyn Isenor (Coldbrook, NS) are all joining the Tommies as rookies, yet, have the experience of playing in big games.

Tommies head coach Don McKay said coming from great high school volleyball programs, with some playing in the Canada Games this past summer, this class of rookies are ready play through the pressure. 

"You can't mimick the pressure of big games in practice," McKay said. "But these girls have been in big games in their careers already."

Along with the rookie class, McKay expects all of his players to take big jumps in their game this season and to get back to the ACAA Finals for another shot at a championship.