Veinot To Play One More Season With REDS
(FREDERICTON, NB) “I still love basketball,” said Jayda Veinot. “It’s hard to pass up playing the game you love.”
The heralded wing and former Atlantic University Sport MVP is not passing on the opportunity to play one more season, and will use her final year of U SPORTS eligibility with the UNB REDS in 2023-2024.
“As spring came around, I found myself wanting to be playing, which made the decision pretty easy,” said Veinot. “I thought last year would be my final season, so this feels like extra time and I’m so thankful for the chance to still be playing.”
Veinot has been among the top players in the conference and the country since she began her U SPORTS career in 2018.
During her first three seasons, at Acadia University, she earned three AUS all-star nods, was a conference all-rookie team selection in 2019 and claimed AUS Rookie of the Year (2019) and Most Valuable Player (2022) honours.
In her first season with the REDS, 2022-23, Veinot played in all 20 of UNB’s regular season games, leading the team in scoring and rebounds.
“It makes a big difference having a former AUS MVP returning for her final year of eligibility,” said REDS’ head coach Erin McAleenan. “Her level of compete and drive to win are key attributes to have in a leader. She’ll undoubtedly have a positive impact on our team this season, and a lasting impact on the careers of our younger student-athletes for years to come.”
McAleenan, who recently took over the REDS from former head coach Jeff Speedy, says Veinot was among her first calls after being hired.
“One of the first things I did once I got the job was call Jayda and talk with her about coming back for her final year,” said McAleenan. “I felt she was pretty keen to return, having had a good year last year, and that she wanted to help take the team to the next level in her final season.”
With 1269 career points, Veinot sits 24th on the AUS career scoring list.
Even a moderately successful 2023-24 campaign will push her into the top 10, but that’s not what she’s focused on.
“Above all, I want to have a fun final year,” said Veinot. “I think we have a talented crew this year and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Veinot and the REDS will be joined by former UPEI standout Reese Baxendale this season.
The former AUS Rookie of the Year, 1st Team All-Star and conference championship series MVP is transferring to UNB to pursue an Education degree.
“I’ve played against Reese since we were about 15, so it’s great to get to have her on the same side as me,” said Veinot. “She’s such a competitor. It’s been fun learning to play together so far.”
“Jayda doesn’t take possessions off,” said Coach McAleenan. “She competes the whole time. She moves well without the ball and can create for herself and others. Jayda can score in a variety of ways, but it’s her defence that I’m really excited about. Her length and instincts will be a big asset to our disruptive style of defence.”
Veinot and the REDS open their exhibition season with the annual Helen Campbell Memorial Tournament, at the Richard J. Currie Center, September 29th through October 1st. Laval, Nipissing and Saint Mary’s will take part.
The REDS begin the AUS regular season on the road, at STFX, on October 27th.
UNB’s home opener will be November 3rd, when they host Memorial in a 6:00pm tip-off.
STORY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
FILE PHOTO: James West/for UNB Athletics