(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s track and field and cross country team is naming Ottawa distance runner Olivia Baggley to their recruiting class of 2023.

Baggley has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.

“Olivia is a big talent and comes to UNB from a strong club and school program in Ottawa,” said Chris Belof, the head coach of the REDS track and field and cross country teams. “Olivia has demonstrated that she can perform at the provincial, regional and national levels.”

“The team dynamic, coaching staff, and seeing the huge potential that the women’s program holds is a team I want to be a part of,” said Baggley. “Seeing the amazing work Chris has done to build this team is something that I want to be a part of. I like the small and welcoming campus and the city of Fredericton.”

The 17-year-old is finishing her Grade 12 year at Gloucester High School, in Ottawa.

In 2022, Baggley finished in the top ten at the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships and was selected for Team Ontario for the Athletics Canada Cross Country Championships. 

“I am a hardworking and driven runner with a lot of self-motivation,” says Baggley.

“Olivia has a strong multisport background which makes her ceiling very high, and makes her an athlete to watch in years to come. She’ll be a key part of our women’s cross country and distance groups and will contribute immediately at the AUS and U SPORTS levels,” said Coach Belof.

Baggley says her short-term goal with the REDS is to improve upon her abilities and compete well. Long-term, she has sights on success at both the AUS and U SPORTS levels.

Baggley will study Science while attending UNB.

PHOTOS: Submitted