The Junior Reds
“We started out with a vision and a certain expectation of what we wanted to offer in a youth program and more thana decade later, we’ve gathered a lot of great stories,” said Jeff Speedy, the former head coach of the UNB REDS women's basketball team, now UNB's Director of Athletics and founder of the Junior Reds program. “Players have had the chance to travel, play with others who may have been rivals in youth leagues and now are friends because of their Junior Reds experience. And we helped make them better basketball players along the way.”
The Junior Reds offer spring and early summer basketball opportunities for girls, in four different age classes; under-11, under-12, under-13, under-14.
Current members of UNB's women's basketball team and distinguished alum, including the likes of former AUS MVP Jayda Veinot, Colleen Daly, Kylee Speedy, and Maheva Ngassam have worked as coaches within the program, ensuring young players have a chance to benefit directly from athletes competing at the U SPORTS level. This also allows the younger players to develop bonds with current Reds they see on court, competing during the AUS season.
Teams play a series of exhibition games, travel to major tournaments regionally and host the popular "UNB School’s Out Shootout," each June.
None of the funds raised through Junior Reds go into UNB women’s basketball program. The program is designed to increase awareness of the REDS, while helping mold younger players in the region. Junior Reds teams from the past have included players from Saint John, Woodstock and Harvey. Teams practice two to three times a week and wear the red, black and white for approximately 16 games a season.
During the 2015-16 AUS season, Eva Tumwine became the first former Junior Red to join the REDS. For Speedy, that was special. "It’s very rewarding to have had one of them in the fold and it’d be really cool to have four or five at some point, knowing that we played a part in them reaching that dream and reaching that goal.” In 2020-21, Speedy's own daughter, Kylee, a former Junior Red, joined the REDS women's team and is a Junior Reds coach.
Individuals and families who've benefited from the Jr. Reds experience, or those who want to ensure everyone who wants to experience the Jr. Reds can do so, are able to donate to a fund that will provide Jr. Reds scholarships to applicants who may require financial assistance. You can donate any amount. All donations will provide access to the Jr. Reds program for deserving individuals from less fortunate situations.
U11 Team
Amelia Goss
Ava Craig
Ava McFadgen
AvaMae Hollohan
Brielle Little
Bryn Culberson
Caroline Borgald
Clara Corrick
Maddie Leclerc
Sydney Pearce
Kavina Kennedy
Ava Thompason
COACHES: Doug Thompson, Ann Bastien, Maheva Ngassam
U12 Team
Hailey Currie
Lara Watson
MJ Giggie
Molly Kelly
Audrey Moore
Emma Wood
Abigail Dickison
Gracelyn Goss
Madison Landry
Emily Ashfield
Josie Flemming
Anna Giberson
Ali-Claire Russell
COACHES: Peter Kelly, Addie Mombourquette, Leah Travers
U13 Team
Adley Kilpatrick
Kate Oldford
Klaire Collier
Lola Giroux
Cora Barrett
Reese Wager
Mackenzie Speed
Marlie Lanteigne
Mila van Roeden
Charlotte McCartney
Zoe Kennedy
Hannah Tardif
COACHES: Colleen Daly, Jayda Veinot, Chelsea Collette
U 14 Team
Elin Lamkey
Chloe Morris
Eden Eliaba
Lily Murphy
Madilyn Giggie
Mya Lenehan
Drew Whitlock
Anna Breede
Lily Sheppard
Kaya Pickerill
Kaiya Mattinson
Elise Cross
COACHES: Kylee Speedy, McKinley Bezanson
Testimonials:
I can’t say enough about the positive experience we've had with the Junior Reds. Coaches were amazing with the girls. So patient, kind, and an excellent role model for the girls. We need more young women like them around our very impressionable girls.
Angie Godin - Woodstock, NB
Our daughter was on a bantam team and it's hard to put into words what a positive experience it was for her. Her progression on the court has been remarkable and the positives she'll take forward athletically will benefit her always. The relationships she has formed, the positive influences from coaches and coping with tough competition has helped prepare her for whatever she may face in the future. This program is a great benefit to the kids, and basketball in this area.
Mark and Kim Corey - Harvey, NB
