Cape Breton Hitter Joining REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s volleyball team is naming outside hitter Haylee Ellis, from River Denys, Nova Scotia, to their recruiting class of 2025.

The 5’10” Ellis, completing her Grade 12 year at Delbrae Academy, in Mabou Station, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2025-2026 Atlantic University Sport season.

“We discovered Haylee late in the recruiting process at Elites of the East, and she immediately stood out as a strong, determined attacker with the kind of offensive presence we were looking for,” said REDS’ head coach Lauren Hale-Miller. “She plays with a mature, competitive demeanor and brings a noticeable eagerness to contribute on defence.”

The 18-year-old Ellis is a veteran club player, having spent time with U17 and U18 teams in the Route 19 Raiders ranks. She’s also been a member of Team Nova Scotia at the U16 and U18 levels.

“I’ll bring my confidence and calm presence on and off the court,” said Ellis. “I love to watch others succeed and encourage them to do their best.”

With the Raiders, Ellis was the MVP of their 2025 tournament.

She was MVP of Delbrae’s varsity girls’ team in 2023-24 and a provincial high school all-star in 2022 and 2024.

At the 2024 Canada Cup tournament in Calgary, Ellis was a Maple Award winner as Team Nova Scotia’s most valuable player.

“Haylee’s ability to score effectively and apply pressure at the net will make an immediate impact in our program,” said Coach Hale-Miller. “She’s the final piece of our 2025 recruiting class, and we’re excited to welcome her to the REDS.”

“What stood out the most to me about the REDS was the welcoming atmosphere,” said Ellis. “I met with members of the team and am looking forward to getting started on this new chapter.”

Ellis says her immediate goal with the REDS will be to strike a balance with athletics and academics.

She’ll study Science while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTO: Submitted