REDS Adding Three In 2026
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS tennis team is welcoming a mix of homegrown and international talent in their recruiting class of 2026.
Fredericton’s Raktika Galwa will join the REDS women’s team while Alex Roberts, of Saint John, and Daniel Benitez, of Guayaquil, Ecuador, will join the men’s team.
“I’ve watched Raktika grow from a young junior into one of the top players in Atlantic Canada,” said REDS’ head coach Chris Nadeau, of Galwa.
“I know how much dedication and love for the game it takes to reach this level from our area, Saint John, and along with being a fantastic student and person, Alex will be a great fit for our program both on and off the court,” added Nadeau, regarding Roberts.
“Since our first conversations last fall, Daniel has shown incredible dedication and determination throughout the recruiting process,” he said about Benitez. “I have no doubt he’ll bring that same commitment to our team.”
Galwa represented New Brunswick at the 2022 Canada Summer Games and has played in a number of national level events.
“I’m prepared to lead the UNB women’s team to nationals,” she said. “I’m really excited to bring some new energy to UNB women’s tennis.”
“We’re very excited to welcome Raktika to UNB this season,” said Coach Nadeau. “Along with being an excellent student, she’ll be a tremendous asset to our program both on and off the court.”
Roberts has been playing competitive tennis for five years.
His resume includes the 2025 Canada Summer Games, as a member of Team New Brunswick, and four national championship tournaments.
“Throughout my junior career, I’ve had the opportunity to train with the coaches and players on the team, and I’m thrilled to continue my journey with the REDS.”
Benitez has earned numerous Ecuadoran titles over several age categories and reached a singles final in a South American championship event.
“These achievements, combined with my international competitive experience, fueled my ambition to play collegiate tennis,” said Benitez. “Discovering the exceptional tennis programs developing in Canadian universities, we identified UNB as the ideal fit. After reaching out to Chris, I knew this was the program where I wanted to compete and contribute.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Daniel to UNB,” said Nadeau. “He’s enjoyed tremendous success in Ecuador, and we’re excited to help him continue his journey here and are confident he can make an immediate impact on and off the court.”
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTOS: Submitted