Thoms Commits To REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s swimming team is adding Julia Thoms to their recruiting class of 2023.

The 17-year-old, from St. John's, NL, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.

“Julia’s stroke versatility in sprint events is an exciting prospect for us,” said UNB Swimming head coach Marta Belsh. “She has a lot of potential to expand into mid-distance which will be a huge asset for us. I’m looking forward to working with Julia.”

Thoms recently finished her Grade 12 year at Holy Heart of Mary High School and is a promising young talent from the St. John’s Legends Swim Club.

"When I visited campus, I was impressed with the supportive atmosphere and track record of excellence - both athletically and academically,” said Thoms. “Marta and the REDS were incredibly welcoming and friendly. That made it easy to choose UNB as the right place to continue my swim career and pursue my education."

Thoms competed at the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Swimming Championships in 2022 and 2023 winning two silver medals in 4x50-metre and 4x100-metre freestyle and a bronze medal in the 4x50-metre medley, qualifying her for the 2023 David Fry East Coast Championships.

“As one of the few senior swimmers on my current team, I’ve learned a lot during the past season about being a role model to younger swimmers,” said Thoms. “It’s taught me a lot about positivity, empathy, integrity, confidence, and respect. I hope to bring all these values to the team, and continue building on them as a RED.”

Short-term, Thoms aims to post faster times and collaborate closely with the coaching staff to refine her swimming technique. Long-term, her focus is on achieving success at the AUS Championships, with the ultimate aspiration of representing UNB at the U SPORTS Championships.

Thoms will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences while attending UNB.

STORY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

PHOTO: Submitted