Lia St. Pierre commits to X-Women basketball program

ANTIGONISH, NS – StFX women’s basketball head coach Matt Skinn is pleased to announce that Moncton native Lia St. Pierre has committed to StFX University and will be joining the X-Women basketball program this fall. St. Pierre is a transfer student from UBC and will be a red shirt for the 2011-12 season.

“We are extremely fortunate to get a transfer of Lia's caliber here at StFX,” comments Coach Skinn. “She was an outstanding high school player in New Brunswick, and had a terrific playing career in one of, if not the, toughest conference in the country over the past three years. Even though she has to sit out this upcoming season, bringing in a proven conference all-star is a huge boost.”

St. Pierre is a 5’11” guard/forward who played high school basketball at Bernice MacNaughton High School in Moncton where she won two provincial championships. She played the past three seasons with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and in 2009-10 earned recognition as a Canada West all-star. That season she averaged a career-high 13.2 points per game and led the Canada West conference in three point shooting percentage. After red shirting this upcoming season, St. Pierre will enter into her fourth year of CIS eligibility with the X-Women for 2012-13.

Coach Skinn adds, “Besides Lia's basketball skills, she will bring a veteran presence and leadership to our team. She will be able to help our younger players figure out what it takes to play CIS basketball on a daily basis, and will be a great ambassador to our program on campus. I am very excited to be able to coach her.”

A junior national team camp invitee in 2008, St. Pierre is equally excited to attend the Antigonish, NS school, commenting, “I was drawn to StFX not only for its academic reputation but also for its overall university experience.” 

“There is a lot of spirit at the school with a very supportive student body. Athletics were obviously a major factor that played in to my decision, and what I saw was a program where I could develop as a player and grow to be a successful student-athlete off the court. I see a team that is focused and determined, and I am excited to be a part of a program that is moving forward.”

The X-Women are coming off a successful 2010-11 campaign that saw them earn a berth in the CIS national championship after winning the central region qualifying tournament, then posting a fourth place finish overall in the eight-team national event. Training camp for the X-Women begins on Sept. 9th with pre-season exhibition play starting up in mid-October.