Lone Star State Midfielder Joining REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The Lone Star State is a long way from Fredericton, but Jillian Curtis is eager to make the move.

“Beyond the beauty of the city and community, I was extremely excited to meet a rep from UNB’s Engineering faculty, who graciously took the time to explain the process of receiving my degree, which differs from receiving a mechanical engineering degree in the US,” said Curtis, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas. “Meeting the coaching staff and players, and witnessing how they elevate, encourage, and promote excelling soccer skills along with academia really sold me on UNB and the REDS.”

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023 Atlantic University Sport season.

“We’re excited to add Jillian to our team,” said REDS’ head coach Jon Crossland. “She’s going to be a key contributor to our attack. She loves to be on the ball and will make us a more dangerous team to play against. She’ll be an impact player in our program for the next four or five years.”

Curtis is currently completing her high school studies at Corpus Christi’s Calallen High School, where she’s been a member of the Lady Cat’s interscholastic team since 2019.

She’s also a veteran member of the CC Sting, of Texas’ Elite Club Regional League, and is a former member of the SA City Girls Academy League team, where she was an all-region player.

Curtis is captain of her high school team and has been recognized as the female soccer athlete of the year in the South Texas Sport Awards on two occasions.

“I’ve had coaches who have emphasized possession style ball handling along with on the pitch vocal communication and a quick, futsol pace,” she said. “Combining this with my speed, agility, soccer IQ, and a strong awareness to working together as a team will be the strengths I plan to offer to the REDS.”

"Texas is a long way from Fredericton, but the combination of academics at UNB was a drawing point for Jillian,” said Coach Crossland. “She wanted to study mechanical engineering, and experience a colder climate, and UNB and Fredericton check those boxes.  On her visit, the history of our school and friendliness of our community shone through.”

Curtis says her immediate goals include adding to UNB’s scoring.

Ultimately, she wants to help bring an AUS championship to UNB.

PHOTOS: Calallen High School