404 CCAA National Scholars

417 Academic All-Canadians

41ACAA Titles

3AUS Titles

Solid Mix of Veterans and Rookies Have Tommies Poised for ACAA Success

Solid Mix of Veterans and Rookies Have Tommies Poised for ACAA Success

The 2021-22 Tommies women’s basketball team will feature seven faces who have yet to play a regular season Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association game. After a lost ACAA season, the Tommies are geared up for another run at a Championship.

“I am very excited for the players. It has been a long haul for them to get to this point. Exhibition games have been great, but the excitement of league play always adds another layer,” said Fred Connors, who is back for his 19th season coaching the Tommies.

Returning for the Tommies for their second seasons will be Emma Connors, Sam Stordy and Abby Draper, while Emily Owens and reigning ACAA Player of the Year Vanessa Soffee will return for their third years, and veteran Maddy Owens will be back for her final season with the Tommies.

“We have a great core group back that understand the rigor of a season,” said Connors. “Experience cannot be taught. Our veteran players have been doing an excellent job leading through example and voice”

This season the Tommies will feature six first year rookies, and a transfer in her first year with STU. Kylee Roi, Kate Ross, Alyssa Jeffrey, Olina Ross, Celine Sterckel and Laura Nancekievill will all be playing in their first collegiate seasons, while Mary Besselink will be in her first season with STU after transferring from the University of Ottawa Gee Gees.

“We have a really nice group of rookies and second year players that are adjusting and learning,” added Connors. “It is going to be a long season of figuring things out, but I like how we are competing right now. At this point, all of our rookies and second year players are contributing well and have their own sense of how they can best add to the team dynamic.”

The Tommies are hosting the 2021-22 ACAA Basketball Championships March 4-6, an event that Connors knows will give his team a bit of an edge heading into playoffs should they make it.

“We will defend hard. That is the staple of our program. At the end of the day, if we handle the ball and make some shots, we could be a tough team to beat on our home floor.”