REDS Add Three Recruits
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s volleyball team is naming libero Hilary Boyle and middles Lola McPherson and Celia White to their recruiting class of 2026.
All three have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2026-2027 Atlantic University Sport season.
The 18-year-old Boyle, from Beaver Dam, New Brunswick, is finishing her Grade 12 year at Fredericton High School where she’s a veteran member of the Black Kats varsity team.
She’s been a provincial finalist with Spartans Volleyball Club teams at the U16 and U17 levels and provincial champion at the U18 level.
She was a member of Team New Brunswick at U16 and U17.
The 5’4” Boyle was the Black Kats Unsung Hero Award winner in 2025 and was named Volleyball New Brunswick’s Outdoor Athlete of the Year in 2024.
“Hilary is a local athlete who adds both athleticism and competitiveness to our program,” said REDS’ head coach Lauren Hale-Miller. “She is a hard worker who takes pride in her craft, and the environment in our gym will continue to challenge and push her as she develops. Hilary’s commitment, work ethic, and athletic ability will help elevate our backcourt, and we’re excited to see the impact she’ll have.”
“The biggest appeal for me was playing at such a high level with great coaches and amazing teammates,” said Boyle.
The 5’11” McPherson is 17 and finishing her Grade 12 year at Halifax West High School.
She’s a veteran member of the Sonics Volleyball Club and has represented Nova Scotia at the Canada Games as well as indoor and beach national championships. She’s currently participating in Nova Scotia’s Provincial Excellence Program.
At Halifax West, McPherson helped teams to provincial high school titles in 2024 and 2026.
With the Sonics, she was named MVP of the Dal Classic Tournament in 2025, leading the club team to a tournament championship.
“I bring work ethic, consistency, and a team-first mindset,” said McPherson. “I push myself every day and support my teammates to help the team succeed.”
“Lola is a dynamic addition to our program,” said Coach Hale-Miller. “She’s an explosive athlete who brings great energy and enthusiasm into the gym every day. Lola is constantly looking for ways to improve her game and challenge herself, and her commitment to growth will serve her well as she continues to develop.”
White, from Victoria, British Columbia, is a 6’2” 17-year-old who is finishing her Grade 12 year at Lambrick Park Secondary School where she captained the senior team in her Grade 11 and 12 years.
A veteran member of Momentum Volley club teams, White was invited to the Canadian University Volleyball Showcase, Team BC’s U17 High Performance Camp, and Team BC’s U18 Canada Games Selection Camp.
“Celia is highly athletic and has great potential and a strong foundation to build on as she continues her development in our gym,” said Coach Hale-Miller. “She’s a hard worker who is committed to getting better every day, and we’re confident she’ll make a meaningful impact within our program.”
“I’m disciplined and a quick learner, and my physical traits should help me succeed as a middle at the next level,” said White. “I respond well to coaching and am eager to improve my skills and contribute where the team needs me most. I’m supportive, humble, and focused, and I work to promote a positive team culture without drama.”
White will study Science while attending UNB while McPherson will study Business and Boyle will study Arts.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTOS: Submitted