(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds women’s swimming team will feature a sister act, beginning in the 2020-21 Atlantic University Sport season.

Sophie Casey, from Bedford, Nova Scotia, is the younger sister of current Red Hannah Casey, and has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent. She’ll join the team ahead of the coming season.

The 18-year-old Casey is a mid-distance freestyle specialist and a veteran member of the Dartmouth Crusaders Swim Club.

Casey is finishing her Grade 12 year at Charles P. Allen High School, in Bedford.

“I'm a hard worker during practice,” said the younger Casey. “So, as a teammate, I’ll use my work ethic to push others and help motivate them to do the best they can during practices and competitions.”

Casey was a member of Nova Scotia’s 2017 Canada Games team, and is a former winner of the Crusaders’ Award of Distinction.

“Sophie is a determined swimmer who puts a 110% into each practice, while motivating her teammates to give their best,” said Reds head coach Marta Belsh. “She’s shown great potential with her recent participation in Canada Games, and we look forward to seeing her improve and perform for the Reds.”

“A long-term goal of mine, as a Red, would be to win an AUS medal,” said Casey.

“I’m so excited that Sophie is joining the team,” said Hannah, who earned a silver and two bronze medals at the 2019-20 AUS Swimming Championships. “We're very close and I can't wait to watch her grow and challenge herself as a Red.”

“I've never met anyone who works as hard as she does, and I know that she’ll do a great job of leading by example,” said the older Casey.

The Casey sisters were teammates with the Bedford Beavers before joining the Crusaders.

“Knowing that the team will support and push me to do my best made the decision to come to UNB so much easier,” said Sophie, who will study Kinesiology while attending UNB.