DeGrace And Nash Join Varsity Reds
Fullback and Keeper added to Class of '17
(FREDERICTON, NB) Emily DeGrace is trading blue and white for red, white and black.
The standout fullback at Fredericton’s Leo Hayes High School and graduate of the Reds Academy University Prep Program has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join UNB’s women’s soccer team in September.
“I chose UNB because it’s the university I’ve grown up around, on and off the field,” said DeGrace. “I’ve grown up looking up to the women’s soccer team here. Seeing the program in detail and experiencing the positive environment here confirmed for me that this where I want to play.”
DeGrace is a product of the Fredericton District Soccer Association’s Premiership program, having represented New Brunswick at last fall’s U18 national championship tournament.
“We rate Emily as one of the top New Brunswick players graduating this year,” said Varsity Reds head coach Jon Crossland. “Her confidence grows daily. She believes she can shut down dangerous attackers and contribute offensively out of our back line.”
DeGrace plans on studying Science.
Also joining the Varsity Reds recruiting class of 2017 is keeper Brynn Nash, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
“I have high expectations of what post-secondary should look like to me,” said Nash. “Fortunately, UNB is able to provide me with all of these areas and assist me with my further development as an athlete.”
Nash has been a member of the Saskatchwan REX club program, which is led by UNB alum Terrol Russell. She’s also played on a number age-level provincial teams and will represent Saskatchewan at this summer’s Canada Games.
“I hope my knowledge and quickness as a goalkeeper will help the team, as well as leadership on and off the field,” said Nash.
“Brynn is a confident young keeper that is dedicated to improving,” said Crossland. “She’ll push Rebecca(Duda) this season for net time, and that competition will serve our team well on weekends.”
Nash plans on studying Kinesiology.
Both DeGrace and Nash will join the Varsity Reds beginning in the 2017-18 season.