(FREDERICTON, NB) For the second time this week, the UNB Reds are dipping into the local talent pool to add to their recruiting class of 2020.

Talented midfielder Melina Johnstone Cantin, from Oromocto, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the Reds ahead of the 2020 Atlantic University Sport season.

“The quality of the players and the calibre of play were aspects of the Reds that appealed to me,” said Johnstone Cantin. “I appreciate the quality of the coaching since I’ve had the opportunity to train with them during the summer season at academy sessions, and during the winter with the University Prep Program. I love the fact that I can play in my hometown, in front of my friends and family.”

Johnstone Cantin is coming off a 2019 season that saw her named Most Valuable Player on her Fredericton District Soccer Association U17 Premiership team, the FDSA’s female athlete of the year, and Soccer New Brunswick’s female player of the year. She also helped her high school team at Fredericton’s Ecolé Ste. Anne win the school’s first AAA girls’ provincial championship in over a decade.

As a member of FDSA Premiership teams, Johnstone Cantin participated in national club championship tournaments in 2016, at U14, and 2018, at U17, and was the youngest player named to New Brunswick’s Canada Games team in 2017. She’s also been a member of the Team NB and FDSA Academy and University Prep Programs.

“I’m hard working on and off the pitch, and I love to make things happen, both defensively and by creating scoring opportunities,” she said. “I’m a supportive teammate and intend to contribute on and off the field. I’m calm, but intense.”

“Melina is a competitor,” said Reds head coach Jon Crossland. “There will be no minutes off when she’s on the field, and that’s what you want from your midfield players. She’s calm in there and can distribute the ball well, but given the chance, can score herself.”

Crossland says Johnstone Cantin’s timing couldn’t be better for UNB.

“We graduated a couple of central midfield players, so Melina is a great fit as we build the midfield for next year and years to come.”

Johnstone Cantin has set goals as she prepares to join the Reds.

“I’m going to work hard to be ready, physically and mentally, for the new season,” she said. “Long term, my goal is to contribute to the team winning championships.”

Johnstone Cantin will study Science while attending UNB.