Russell Joining REDS In Transfer
(FREDERICTON, NB) The defending Atlantic University Sport women’s basketball champion UNB REDS are adding hometown talent Bailey Russell, a graduate transfer from the University of Ottawa Gee Gees.
The 5’10” Russell played three seasons in Ottawa, appearing in 58 regular season games for the Gee Gees, scoring more than 600 points, dishing out almost 100 assists, and grabbing almost 250 rebounds.
In 2025-26, the veteran shooting guard was Ottawa’s second-leading scorer and led the team in minutes played. She was fifth in the OUA in points-per-game and three-point shooting percentage and was fourth in total assists.
"We’re thrilled that Bailey will be joining our program,” said REDS’ head coach Erin McAleenan. “She’s a dynamic shooting guard who returns home as one of the top players in the country, having finished fifth nationally in scoring this past season with an impressive 18.8 points per game.”
“I love the culture that Erin and her staff have built at UNB,” said the 20-year-old Russell. “It’s a welcoming and supportive community that I’m excited to be a part of. Both of my parents played at UNB, so I’m looking forward to following in their footsteps, and moving back home means having the opportunity to have them in the stands.”
Russell’s mother, Bridget (Gamble) played five seasons, 1992-93 through 1996-97, and was part of UNB’s Atlantic conference championship team of 1993-94. Her father, Bram, played four seasons with UNB’s men’s team, 1996-97 and 1999-2000 through 2001-02.
“Bailey is an elite shooter and possesses the ability to score in a variety of ways,” said Coach McAleenan. “She embraces big moments, consistently stepping up when it matters most. Her length, basketball IQ, and experience at the highest level, including an OUA championship and a national championship bronze medal, will make her an outstanding addition to our group.”
This past season, Russell made more three-point shots than anyone else in U SPORTS, hitting at almost 39%.
“My ability to shoot the three-pointer is definitely my greatest strength, but also my passing ability and IQ to find teammates when they’re open,” said Russell. “I love how supportive they are of one another at UNB since I love to celebrate my teammates and support them however possible.”
Russell says her short-term goals include building relationships with her new teammates and coaching staff. Longer-term, she wants to help the REDS repeat as AUS champs and return to the national championship tournament.
“Her competitiveness, work ethic, and drive to win align perfectly with the standards of our program,” said McAleenan. “We’re excited to welcome Bailey home and look forward to the impact she’ll have on our team.”
Russell will pursue a Master’s Degree in Sport and Recreation Studies will attending UNB.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTO BY: Univ. of Ottawa Athletics