The decision could have been an easy one for Laura Fox.

Stay close to home, follow in her family footsteps and be content.

Something about making an easy decision didn’t sit well with Fox, the 17-year-old senior at Citadel High School in Halifax.

 Hello, Fredericton.

Fox is the latest recruit to sign on with Jeff Speedy’s University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, ready to step in and contribute in the Atlantic University Sport conference.

The decision to come wear red, black and white allowed Fox to take a leap of faith. Her brother Casey plays basketball with the Dalhousie University Tigers and sister Hayley played basketball and soccer at St. Mary’s University.

 “I want to experience a new environment without roaming too far from home and with my family and their participation in local universities in Nova Scotia, those schools are familiar,” said Fox. “For me, UNB is about branching out. Playing for the Varsity Reds will be my own story. I wanted to follow my gut feeling. And my gut is leading me to Fredericton.”

And leading toward her ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian, meaning she’ll pursue her Bachelor of Science at UNB.

Fox, a starting forward for undefeated Nova Scotia high school champion Citadel this past season, was also named her school’s athlete of the year.

She’s definitely focused on the hardcourt and in the classroom, and is well versed in many team sports including lacrosse and Ultimate Frisbee. Fox is an elite track and field athlete as well.

She also brings a sense of humour to UNB.

“I love animals so much that I can’t bring myself to eat them, so my ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian,” she said. “I’m probably the messiest person anyone will ever meet, but I’m also uncomfortable spending more than $25 on a single article of clothing which drives my mother crazy, but makes my father very proud.”

Although that’s unfortunate for local butchers and retail clothing chains, Fox wants to make opponents in the AUS uncomfortable, too.

“I know there’s a lot of work ahead of me, but I hope to be a dominant player in my UNB career,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to be an All-Canadian and win a national championship.”

That will bring a smile to Speedy’s face.

Fox brings a work ethic to campus, but it’s her attitude that sparked Speedy’s interest. She’s one of those rare players that help teams without even being on the court.

“Laura is one of the most mature 17-year-olds I’ve ever met and her personality will make us better without even stepping on the court, having said that, she’s certainly going to help us on the court,” said Speedy.  “She’s a hard working player and someone who really gets after the ball on defence and rebounding. Her strengths are areas of weakness on our team. I believe she’s going to be a star at this level.”