Mix of New Faces and Veterans Expected to Bring Tommies back to Playoffs

The 2021-’22 season did not go as planned for the St. Thomas University Women’s soccer team. After three consecutive appearances in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championship game, the Tommies failed to qualify for the playoffs. It was the first time since 2016. 

“This year we're looking to stay tuned into every game for a full 90 minutes,” DeCourcey said. “We're also looking to improve on our attack and finishing. We need to score a lot more goals this year,” she said. The Tommies scored just two goals last season. 

One year later, and the youthful Tommies have lots to look forward to. With a mix of young rookies and All-Star veterans, STU will look to continue the success of the program created by DeCourcey. She’s brought in 15 new players and expects there to be competition for every position on the pitch. With a returning defensive core of Kaleigh Roberts, who made the first team ACAA All-Conference team and Jessica McWilliams of the second team.

“They both lead by example on and off the pitch and are student-athletes that our rookies can look up to and learn from,” DeCourcey said on Roberts and McWilliams. “Our back line is in great shape … As a centre back and returning captain, Kaleigh has been able to help onboard our new defenders and direct our shape as a team.” 

Roberts is aware of her role going into the season, saying she knows what to expect going into games and practices, as well of whats expected from the coaching staff.

"I am able to set a standrad for my team," Roberts said. "I take my role very seriously."

It won’t only be the veterans carrying the weight – DeCourcey is excited to see what her new players will bring.  

“We have a lot of young talent … I look forward to seeing Cierra Meredith, our gritty holding midfielder, tackle the ACAA. We also have former UNB Red, Erin Smal, who will provide some experience on the wing. Amanda McNally will be a new and calming presence in our midfield. Avery Erb is a skilled and steady Wing Back who can double as a winger. Rachel Haanstra and Jayci Peck will add speed and creativity to our attack. Each and every one of our new team members bring something different to the table and it will be exciting to see them step up to the challenge of ACAA play.” 

The Tommies will take the season one game at a time, not getting too ahead of themselves. Before they have a chance to play in front of their home fans in the ACAA playoffs, they msut qualify first. They’ll kick off their season in Truro on Sept. 10 at 2:00 against the Dalhousie AC Rams. Their home opener is Sept. 18 against the Crandall University Chargers at 1:00 at the Grant Harvey Turf Field.