REDS Add Depth In '26 Recruits
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s track & field and cross country teams are expanding their depth for the 2026-2027 Atlantic University Sport seasons with the addition of distance runners Alexie Beaupré, Brynn Bowman, Petra LeBlanc, and Eilidh Lennon, and sprinter Olivia Brown.
All five have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group to our program,” said Chris Belof, head coach of the REDS’ track & field and cross country teams. “They come from a variety of backgrounds and regions across the country, but they all share a clear commitment to both academics and athletics. We’re excited to see how they develop and contribute to our team culture.”
Beaupré, 17, of Winnipeg, is completing her Grade 12 year at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé.
A member of Winnipeg Optimist Athletics, she’s competed nationally with both Manitoba’s Canada Summer Games Team and the Manitoba Legion Team, earning a first-place finish in the 2000-metre steeplechase at the 2024 Legion National Championships.
“What appealed to me was the coaching philosophy,” said Beaupré. “After visiting the campus and facilities, I knew UNB was the right place for me.”
She plans to pursue a degree in Nursing while attending UNB.
Bowman, also 17, of Gananoque, Ontario, is finishing her Grade 12 year at Gananoque Secondary School.
A multi-sport athlete, Bowman qualified for the provincial high school track & field championships in Grades 10 and 11, placing 10th in the steeplechase in her Grade 11 season.
“I really loved how close-knit, welcoming, and supportive the team was,” said Bowman. “That’s something I really value, especially coming from a school with a small cross country team.”
Bowman will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology while attending UNB.
The 17-year-old LeBlanc, of Baddeck, Nova Scotia, is graduating from Baddeck Academy.
A versatile runner, LeBlanc competes in cross country as well as the 800, 1500, and 3000 metres on the track.
“I’ve dreamed of becoming a university athlete and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the REDS,” said LeBlanc.
She’ll study Kinesiology while attending UNB.
Lennon, another 17-year-old, is from Squamish, British Columbia, and is finishing her Grade 12 year at Howe Sound Secondary School.
She achieved national success with a bronze medal in the 3000-metres at the 2025 Canadian Indoor Championships.
Lennon also helped her team to a third place finish at the 2025 British Columbia high school cross country championships.
“In my first year, I want to find ways to support the team and learn from the group,” she said. “Over time, I’m excited to figure out how I can best contribute and grow as a student-athlete.”
Lennon plans on studying Psychology while attending UNB.
Brown, also 17, is from Quispamsis, and will graduate from Kennebecasis Valley High School.
She trains with the Saint John Reds Track & Field Club and has represented Team New Brunswick at the Legion National Championships and the 2025 Canada Summer Games.
A standout at the provincial level, Brown was named the top U18 female athlete at the 2024 New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association championships and earned silver medals in both the 100 and 200 metres at the 2025 championships.
“I bring a lot of dedication and positivity to any team I’m on,” said Brown. “I push myself to balance school and training, and I love supporting my teammates however I can.”
Brown will study Kinesiology while attending UNB.
STORY BY: UNB REDS
PHOTOS: Submitted