Hay Returning to UNB Women�??s Volleyball Program

The UNB Varsity Reds Women’s Volleyball program has added a significant addition to their line-up for next season.   Erica Hay of Sussex has been accepted into the one-year Bachelor of Education program and will play her final year of CIS eligibility for the V-Reds starting in September.   Hay is a 5’9” left-side player who was named a 1^st Team Atlantic Conference All-Star in both the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons as well as a 2008-09 CIS Academic All-Canadian.   During her first four years at UNB, the Varsity Reds finished in 3^rd place, 1^st place, 1^st place and 2^nd place respectively within regular season play.    She also helped guide the team to the 2007-08 Atlantic Conference Championship and two appearances at the CIS National Championships.  

Hay is the fourth student-athlete to join next year’s team after the V-Reds received commitments from CIS transfer setter Amanda Bakker of Winnipeg, middle Celina Abba of Fredericton and left-side Taylor MacDonald of Bathurst.   These four join a returning class led by 2009-10 1^st Team Atlantic All-Stars Jill Blanchard (Saint John, NB) and Tanya Paulin (Bathurst, NB) as well as 2009-10 AUS All-Rookie members Rebecca Glancy (Toronto, ON) and Emma Hunt (Whitby, ON).

Erica Hay commented “I feel very excited and fortunate returning to UNB for the Education program.  I just started training and I’m counting down the days until I step back onto the court to compete as a Varsity Red and be with the girls.”

Head Coach John Richard commented “Picking up someone like Erica, especially at such a late date, does a lot for our program.    On top of being very athletic, talented and proven within our conference, she plays the game with so much passion and emotion it is contagious.   We liked our group before and Erica makes us better.   Most importantly the amount of guidance and advice she will provide to our younger players will be felt long after next season.”