(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s volleyball team is adding 5’9” outside hitter Kiana Huggins to their recruiting class of 2024.
The London, Ontario, native is transferring to UNB after three seasons at St. Clair College, in Windsor, where she was a standout with the Saints of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.
She’s signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2024-2025 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Kiana is a welcome addition to our young returning roster,” said REDS’ interim head coach John Richard. “She’ll provide experience and insight into excelling at the post-secondary level.”
“I have been following along with the team and watching the girls play this last year as a young team in the league and their success piqued my interest,” said Huggins, who has family ties to New Brunswick.
Her mother is from the Sussex-area and the family has spent many a summer vacation in and around the Dairy Town.
“I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to be part of the REDS’ program,” she said.
Huggins was the OCAA’s Player of the Year in 2023-2024, is a two-time OCAA first team all-star, two-time Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association All-Canadian, and a former member of the OCAA all-rookie team.
Huggins was also recognized with OCAA and CCAA all-academic status in two of her three season at St. Clair.
“I’m a very competitive person and I’m always wanting to better myself and the people around me,” said Huggins. “I also have leadership experience that I feel can enhance the team dynamic.”
Huggins says her short-term goals include making a positive impact on the team as soon as she can. Longer-term, she wants to help the team compete and succeed at a high level.
“With two years of eligibility remaining, we hope Kiana can be another important piece of the puzzle as this group competes for a conference championship within that window,” said Richard.
Huggins will study Business Administration while attending UNB.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTO BY: Essentials Images