(FREDERICTON, NB) Matthew Croft, following in some family footsteps, is being named as the first member of the UNB Reds men’s swimming team’s 2020 recruiting class.

The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the Reds ahead of the 2020-21 Atlantic University Sport season.

Croft, who specializes in the breaststroke and distance free and individual medley events, won a pair of bronze medals at the 2020 Nova Scotia championships, in March, in the men’s 50 metre breaststroke and 200 metre backstroke.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to be part of an awesome group,” said Croft. “Over the past year, I’ve followed the Reds, and watched them excel as a team, and am proud to join that movement.”

A member of Nova Scotia’s 2017 Canada Games team, Croft has spent a decade as a member of the Dartmouth Crusaders Swim Club and is a former member of Swim Nova Scotia’s Next Gen training program. He’s also worked as a lifeguard and summer swimming coach.

In 2019, Croft was named winner of the Crusaders’ David Fry Award of Distinction, for team spirit, leadership and performance. In 2017, he was named winner of the club’s Merit Award.

“We’re very excited to have Matt join our team,” said Reds head coach Marta Belsh. “He’ll help us fill a void in breaststroke events, and we expect him to establish himself as a team leader. We’re looking forward to seeing Matt become a leader in the pool and out.”

Out of the pool, Croft has been the recipient of Nova Scotia’s Lieutenant Governor’s Medal, for leadership and service to school and community.

In his Grade 12 year, Croft served as co-president of the student council at Halifax’s Armbrae Academy.

“As a kid, I always looked up to varsity athletes, and wanted to be one someday,” said Croft, who follows in his grandfather’s footsteps in choosing UNB.

Cyril Carlin was a member of UNB’s Class of 1962 (BSc.E.), and earned a Masters degree in 1970. While he wasn’t a varsity athlete, Carlin competed in intramural sports.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always viewed UNB as one of the best schools for Engineering and athletics,” said Croft, who, like his grandfather, will study Engineering.