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Fourth-year Tommie Charlee Connors has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball player of the year.

Connors is the first female athlete at St. Thomas — and the second athlete in university history —to earn this national recognition.

“When I was announced as the winner, I was in complete shock. I knew that I was nominated, but I never imagined that my name would be called. There are so many athletes in the CCAA who work so hard, which makes being selected as the top feel surreal,” said Connors.

“This award not only reflects my dedication, but it shows all the work other people have put into me — the time my coaches have put in, my teammates showing up and competing hard, and the support of the STU athletics office as a whole.”

An anchor for the Tommies

Connors, who is studying Psychology and Gerontology, anchored the Tommies on route to their first Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association title in 12 years. She finished the regular season tied for second in scoring in the ACAA — averaging 14.5 points per game — and fourth in rebounding with an average of 7.9 per game. She was recognized as the ACAA player of the year and named to the first team all-conference.

 

“Charlee played the game in a way only she could. She was physical in the paint, was able to step out and hit shots, and defended players bigger and longer than she was all year,” said Tommies head coach Fred Connors.

“To me, what makes her stand out above the rest is that she never cared if she won an individual award — she is humble and only wanted her team to win — and she is tremendous in the community and stellar in the classroom. It’s hard to find a player that excelled in all three areas the way Charlee did.”

"The best decision I ever made”

Connors came to STU in 2022 as a red shirt but worked her way into the active roster and was later named the team’s rookie of the year. Her hard work on the court secured her a space in the Tommies starting lineup in her second year and she was named the team’s most valuable player in her junior campaign, along with teammate Katie Vidito.

Off the court, the Fredericton, NB, native has earned CCAA National Scholar and Dean’s List distinctions each year while giving back to the community through various initiatives including food drives, book drives, and programming for individuals with exceptionalities.

“The national player of the year incorporates more than just athletics; it includes academics and community engagement as well. This is what I’ll miss most about STU athletics, not only are we taught how to be the best in our sport, but we’re also taught how to be successful people who care about those around them,” Connors said.

“Playing basketball at STU will forever be the best decision I have ever made, and I will cherish the relationships it has provided me for the rest of my life.”