(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds women’s basketball team’s recruiting class of 2020 is growing by one.
Alex Mann, a 5’11” post from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the Reds ahead of the 2020-21 Atlantic University Sport season.
Mann was part of Saskatoon’s St. Joseph High School team that went undefeated in the city’s high school league during the 2019-20 season. The Guardians were 14-0 in regular season play, and 2-0 before the playoffs were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She had an excellent career at St. Joe’s, and with Team Saskatchewan, and we know she can continue to do great things on the court here as well,” said Reds head coach Jeff Speedy. “She is the last piece and a great addition to our very solid recruiting class, one we’re really, really excited about.”
The 18-year-old Mann was a starter on the Guardians’ senior girls team in all four of her high school seasons, helping St. Joe’s to a third place finish at the 2019 provincial championship tournament.
Mann was also a four-year member of Team Saskatchewan, playing a role in 7th and 3rd place finishes for the U15 squad at the 2016 and 2017 national championship tournaments, and 6th and 4th place finishes for the province’s U17 team at the 2018 and 2019 Canadian championships. It’s worth noting that the 2018 U17 championship tournament was contested at UNB’s Richard J. Currie Center, home of the Reds.
She says many factors went in to her decision to attend UNB.
“While on my recruiting trip, I noticed the strong bonds and connections the girls on the team had with each other, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” said Mann. “I felt welcomed by them from the first time I stepped into the team room. I also noticed how hard-working each member of this team is, and how dedicated they all are to the game, which is very important to me.”
“I also knew I wanted to play for a coach who I know has my best interest in mind and who is dedicated to making me a better basketball player, as well as a better person,” she said.
Mann said UNB’s facilities, most notably the Currie Center, where she played during the 2018 national championship, were also a big factor in her decision.
With the graduation of Eva Tumwine and Grace Simpson, Coach Speedy says Mann’s addition addresses one of the Reds’ needs.
“Alex has good length and size, can rebound and defend well in the paint, and she can also step out and shoot the three,” said Speedy. “On top of all of that, she’s a great person and teammate, something we looked for with all of our recruits this year.”
Mann describes herself as a driven player, and someone who’ll work hard for what she wants.
“I can play and guard both wing and post positions. I can shoot from anywhere on the floor, and am reliable when it comes to good decision making, especially during critical times in a game,” she said. “My ability to see the floor is strong, as well as making good reads and good passes. I’m also always willing to put in the extra time outside of practice to become a better player.”
Mann will study Kinesiology while attending UNB, and has plans to pursue a career in physiotherapy.