Women's Volleyball Add Three Top Recruits

The St. Clair College Department of Athletics and women's volleyball program is pleased to announce the commitment of three top recruits for the 2026-27 season. The Saints have signed Leah McConnell, Tessa Smith and Gabriella Boyes.

 

McConnell is a 6'0" middle from Oakville where she will be graduating from Saint Trinite this spring. Leah has extensive club experience playing for the Halton Hurricanes Club. McConnell will be taking the Protection, Security and Investigations program with plans to move into Police Foundations.

 

Leah is excited to join the Saints program. "I chose St. Clair because of the welcoming and positive environment the team creates. The women are incredibly kind, supportive, and made me feel comfortable right away. I knew it was a place where I could grow both as an athlete and as a person."

 

Head Coach Julie Ann Milling is looking forward to adding McConnell to the program. "Leah is a great addition to the team. She is a very athletic middle and comes from a competitive club team that is top in the province. Leah will bring us strength in her offence and strong blocking abilities."

 

Smith is a 5'9" left side Burlington native, and is graduating from Dr. Frank J Hayden Secondary School. Along with her high school experience Tessa has significant club experience with the Halton Hurricanes and Mountain Volleyball Club. Smith will be taking the Pre-Health Science program and then moving into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

 

Smith can't wait to get started with the Saints. "I chose St. Clair because of the positive and supportive environment I felt right away. The coaching staff and the women were so welcoming, and it makes me excited to start this next chapter and see where it takes me."

Milling is thrilled to add Tessa to her roster. "Tessa brings versatility as an outside hitter. I was very impressed with her all around volleyball skills which will make an impact with how we play."

 

Boyes is a 5'11 middle from London where she is graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas. Gabriella has a large amount of club experience with the St. Thomas Express. Boyes will be taking the Protection, Security and Investigation Program with plans to move into Police Foundations.

 

Gabriella can't want to join Saints Nation. "I chose St. Clair because, as soon as I drove onto the campus I was wowed. I met Coach Milling and some future teammates and fell in love with the school and environment, they were so welcoming and felt at home right away."

Coach Milling knows Boyes will be a great addition to the team. "Gabby will make an impact with her physical skill and her leadership abilities. When she stepped on the court to meet our team, I could tell right away she would be a great addition."