Ready to Work: Tommies Ready for ACAA Season

The St. Thomas University Tommies' Women's basketball team has plenty to look forward to in their 2022-23 campaign. Coming just short of the 2021-22 ACAA title, the Tommies will play the host role this season, with this season's championships taking place at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym, guaranteeing themselves a playoff spot. Despite this, Tommies' head coach has remained focused.

"We are really focusing on competing and being our best selves each weekend," Connors said "We can talk all we want about playing at home and how that impacts nerves, but we won’t be able to deal with it until we are in the moment. Having a core group that has been to championships, that experience will pay off when it matters most."

The Tommies will return nine players this season, including ACAA All-Conference stars Vanessa Soffee (Fredericton, NB) and Emily Owens (Fredericton, NB). Owens is coming off her highest scoring season, averaging 10.1 points per game last season while shooting 47.3 percent from the field, while Soffee averaged 9.5 points per game and 4.2 assists per game.

"They are both excellent defenders and add layers to the offence," Connors said.

Soffee, who has an impressive ACAA resume, will look to add to her list of achievements this season. The fourth-year guard has a Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Dyrick McDermott Award, two All-Conference teams, CCAA All-Canadian and ACAA Player of the Year - but has yet to get to a title.

The Tommies' veterans will be accompanied by six new faces - four rookies and two transfers.

Jaiden Penney (Fredericton, NB) has joined the Tommies after a season with the University of New Brunswick Reds while Ava Prosser (Johnstown, ON) comes from the Cape Brenton University Capers.

Rookies joining the Tommies are Katie Vidito (Charlottetown, PE), Kathleen Quinlan (St. John's, NL), Grace Christie (Yellowknife, NT) and Charlee Connors (Fredericton, NB). 

Connors said there's lots to like about with this year's rookie class.

"Our rookies have been working very hard," Connors said. "There is a steep learning curve for them all and they are doing really well."

With the Tommies dropping their season opener against the Mount Allison University Mounties while being shorthanded, Connors knows how good this team can potentially be when healthy. 

We play a very aggressive and team focused style of basketball," he said. "I hope that when people come support us, they will be proud of the work ethic we bring each game."

The Tommies' home opener is Nov. 6 at the Lady Beaverbrook Gym at 12:00 PM, as they'll take on the University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves.