(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s track and field team is naming two more Atlantic Canadians to their recruiting class of 2023.
Middle distance runner Gabby Kozak, of Fredericton, and sprinter/hurdler Keira MacCallum, of Truro, NS, have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.
“We’re very excited to have local talents like Gabby and Keira joining us next fall,” said Chris Belof, the head coach of the REDS’ track and field and cross country teams. “Both women come from strong developmental programs and will fit in nicely with our middle distance and power speed groups.”
Kozak was the 800-metre silver medalist at the 2022 Canadian Indoor Championships and was also a member of Fredericton High School’s provincial champion senior women’s cross country team.
MacCallum won the gold medal in the women’s 100-metre hurdles at the 2022 Atlantic Championships and was a member of her school’s senior girls’ provincial championship NSSSA team.
“UNB has a strong reputation for their Nursing and Science faculties,” said Kozak. “That, coupled with the appeal of my hometown and the opportunity to be part of the REDS community that will help me achieve my career running goals, was one of the strongest factors in me choosing UNB.”
“The athletic and academic opportunities, as well as the coaching staff and team spirit with the REDS, is what appealed to me,” said MacCallum. “UNB is a school I am proud to say I will be attending.”
Kozak will be graduating from Fredericton High School in June and starting in the nursing program at UNB in the fall.
MacCallum is completing her Grade 12 year at Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro, and is heading into Science at UNB.
The pair both aspire to represent the REDS at future AUS and U SPORTS Championships throughout their university careers.
“Both Gabby and Keira will make an immediate impact on our women’s team at both the AUS and U SPORTS levels,” said Coach Belof. “We’re looking forward to seeing them excel athletically and academically here at UNB.”
STORY BY: UNB Athletics
PHOTOS: Submitted