(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s basketball team is adding heralded forward Sydney Shawyer to their recruiting class of 2023.

She’s signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.

The 5’11” Shawyer is coming off a season with the Caledon Academy, of the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association, and is currently playing in Ontario’s JUEL (Junior Elite League) with the Scarborough Lady Blues.

“I chose the REDS because of the strong team chemistry,” said Shawyer. “Their facilities are amazing and the whole organization made me feel comfortable and welcome.”

In 2021, Shawyer helped the Barrie Royals to a bronze medal at the Ontario Basketball Association Championships, earning team MVP honours in the process.

“Sydney can really put the ball in the hoop,” said Jeff Speedy, the REDS’ Associate Director of Athletics and former women’s basketball coach. “She shoots very well and does a great job attacking, drawing fouls and finishing at the hoop.”

A native of Horseshoe Valley, Ontario, the 17-year-old Shawyer is finishing her Grade 12 year at Eastview Secondary School, in Barrie.

“I’m a shooter and I can finish in the paint,” she said. “I play a team game. I can see the court well and am good at moving the ball. I’m also a supportive teammate and a natural leader.”

“She’s the kind of person we want joining our program,” said Speedy. “A hard-working, unselfish team player who performs well in the classroom. She’ll fit in very well with our group.”

Shawyer says her goals for her first season with the REDS are working hard and having success in basketball and in her studies.

She plans on pursuing a Bachelor of Recreation and Sport Studies while attending UNB and has plans on adding an MBA.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTO: Caledon Academy