(FREDERICTON, NB) Kylee Speedy has grown up at UNB’s Richard J. Currie Center, so choosing to continue her basketball career as a member of the UNB Reds shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Speedy, a standout point guard at Fredericton’s Leo Hayes High School, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the Reds ahead of the 2020-21 Atlantic University Sport season.
“I’ve wanted to be a Red since I was very young, so it’s awesome that that dream is finally coming true,” said Speedy.
Speedy will join the team that is coached by her father, Jeff, but she says that had little to do with her decision.
“I chose UNB because, right from the start of the recruiting process, the girls were so welcoming,” said Speedy. “I love the campus and the Currie Center. I feel like I’ll fit in here.”
Speedy is a three-year starter on a Lions team that made history in the 2018-19 season, becoming the first Leo Hayes girls’ team to advance to the NBIAA Final 12, at Harbour Station, in Saint John.
She becomes the third member of the team that represented New Brunswick at the 2019 national U17 championship, in Victoria, BC, to join the Reds’ recruiting class of 2020.
Speedy led that tournament in three-point shooting.
“I think my biggest strength, right now, is my ability to shoot, and I can help the team by hitting shots,” said Speedy. “I’m also committed to working hard and bringing energy.”
“We’re thrilled that a person and player of Kylee’s caliber is joining our program,” said proud father and Reds coach Jeff Speedy. “She’s already very involved in giving back to the community, which is a value we try to instill in our student-athletes. She’ll be a great teammate and a great fit.”
“On the court, she has a very high basketball IQ and can really shoot the ball,” said Coach Speedy. “We’re currently last in the AUS in three-point shooting, so landing Kylee is a big step to improving our offense. That being said, Kylee’s work ethic is what impressed our staff the most.”
Having grown up at the Currie Center, the younger Speedy’s goal is to bring a championship banner to the facility.
“My goals as a Red are to win an AUS Championship, and grow as a player and person,” she said.
Speedy will study Psychology while attending UNB.