UNB’s Nixon AUS Rookie Of The Year

(FREDERICTON, NB) For the second straight season, Atlantic University Sport’s Rookie of the Year in women’s volleyball is a UNB RED.

Talia Nixon was named the 2023-2024 AUS Rookie of the Year.

She follows teammate Heather Benko as winner of the award. Benko was the league’s top rookie in 2022-2023.

“Being named Rookie of the Year is a huge honour,” said Nixon. “It is testament to my team for pushing me throughout the year in practice and picking me up along the way during the games.”

In her first season with the REDS, the outside hitter played in all 20 games, finishing third on the team in kills per set, at 1.91, total kills, with 143, and total digs, with 170.

“The transition from club to U SPORTS is not an easy one, but receiving this award just shows how much support I had around me to allow me to play to my potential in this league,” she said.

Nixon was also named a member of the AUS All-Rookie Team.

Her teammate Jenna Adams was named an AUS 1^st Team All-Star while Benko and Lydia Green were named AUS 2^nd Team All-Stars.

“Talia has grown tremendously throughout the season,” said REDS interim head coach John Richard. “From day one we asked her to do a lot for our team in a conference full of experienced returning players. She demands a lot of herself and continued to adapt and find ways to contribute more as the season progressed.”

Nixon’s efforts helped the REDS to an 11-9 record and fourth place in the AUS standings.

UNB faces Acadia in the AUS semi-finals, which start Thursday.

“My teammates taught me how to play competitively and with aggression by staying present and not getting in my head,” she said. “That made all the difference in my play, which is why I feel I was considered for this award.”

“Our group is full of young promising talented student-athletes, and Talia is one of those at the front of that line,” said Richard.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

FILE PHOTO: James West/for UNB Athletics