Recruit Alert
The Tommies found their newest recruit locally with Lily Burgess committing to the program recently.
The Leo Hayes Lion will don the Green & Gold this Fall at St. Thomas while earning her degree focusing on English, Sociology and Communications.
In choosing STU, Lily is excited to start her post-secondary studies.
"STU has the best journalism program in the region, a tight knit community, lovely campus and a small campus feel - which I really look forward to enjoying," she said.
Burgess started playing rugby in high school, after being recruited to play by Loyalists legend Blake Edwards and coach with the Leo Hayes Rugby programs. After playing with the U16 Loyalists, she never turned back.
"I love the sport and everything about it," Lily added. "I am very passionate and committed to rugby and I like to stay positive and work hard through all situations."
Coach Becca Baker has seen Lily's development in recent years through the Loyalists Rugby Club.
“Lily is passionate about rugby, her never-give-up energy and team-first mentality will boost the teams attempts at the ACAA title," mentions the coach.
Her determination will go far in pushing the program looking to return to the ACAA Final.
"I will never give up, no matter what because I believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to," bodes Burgess. "I show this is my gameplay for every game and every practice.
"The coaching staff are very excited to see how she grows within the program over the next four years,” adds Coach Baker.
Burgess is the latest addition to the Women's Rugby team heading into the 2023-2024 season after the announcements of Karin Akulov, Vanessa Thompson, Aurora Sutton, Madelyn Walsh and Maleah Welton.
The 2023 ACAA Rugby schedule will be announced in May, with Season Passes on sale in August and training camp opening in late August for the STU Rugby teams.
