Algoma Thunderbirds and George Leach Centre

🎉Thank you to our T-Shirt Sponsor - Algoma Thunderbirds and George Leach Centre! 🎉

Each year, you come out with enthusiastic support and host the coolest water station on the route! Our race weekend wouldn't be the same without you.

The incredible group of student-athletes who made the inaugural On The Rise: Women in Sport Summit so special ✨



📸 Kieran Delport

Yvonne Barnes, a second-year midfielder with the Algoma Thunderbirds and George Leach Centre women’s soccer team and recipient of the Champion of EDI Award, always puts others first.

Her greatest impact comes through the compassion she shows to teammates and staff. Whether supporting a struggling player or taking a recruit out for lunch, Barnes embraces her role as both a key player and team ambassador for the Thunderbirds.

David DiCenzo has more in the latest edition of the OUA Amplifying Voices Series. ✍️

🔗 oua.ca/x/7q2tx

📸 Bob Davies

🚨SIGNING ALERT - WOMEN'S BASKETBALL🏀

The Algoma University Thunderbirds are adding to the backcourt!

Marine Al-Mondalek is officially SIGNED for the 2026-27 season✍️

A guard out of Montreal, QC and CEGEP Édouard-Montpetit, Marine brings scoring touch and playmaking confidence every time she steps on the floor. She’s dynamic with the ball, dangerous in space, and built to make big plays when it matters most!

Welcome to the Birds Nest, Marine!

The Algoma University Thunderbirds Wrestling program is going global🌍

Justin Bodlovic is officially SIGNED for the 2026-27 season!

Hailing from Yokosuka, Japan (via USA) and competing out of Nile C. Kinnick High School on the Yokosuka Navy Base, Justin brings discipline, toughness, and a relentless work ethic to the mat💥

Built through international competition and high-level training, he’s ready to bring intensity every match and represent the Thunderbirds with pride.

Welcome to the Birds Nest, Justin. Let’s get after it!💪⚡

🚨⚡INTENSITY. ENERGY. WORKHORSE!

Gabrielle Verreault-Lafleur is officially SIGNED for the 2026-27 season🏀✍️

A guard out of Gatineau, QC and CEGEP de l’Outaouais, Gabrielle brings relentless compete level every time she steps on the floor. She’s a difference-maker with the ball in her hands and a problem for defenders all game long.💥

Fast decisions. Big plays. No fear.

Welcome to the Birds Nest, Gabrielle! Let’s Fly Together!⚡

🚨🔥 DEFENSE. PLAYMAKING. COMPETITOR.

Alycia St. Martin-Balan is officially SIGNED for the 2026-27 season 🏀✍️

Out of Ottawa, ON and Louis Riel OSBA, Alycia brings tenacity, relentless defense, and a fearless approach every time she steps on the floor. She’s the type of player who sets the tone, raises the intensity, and makes everyone around her better.💥

She’s built for this. No easy looks. No backing down.

Welcome to the Birds Nest, Alycia. Let’s Fly Together!⚡

🚨🔥 ANOTHER ONE. THE GUARD ROOM JUST LEVELED UP

Taylor Carwell is officially SIGNED for the 2026-27 season 🏀✍️

Coming out of One Prep Basketball / St. Albert Catholic High School in St. Albert, AB, this guard brings elite pace, toughness, and a scorer’s mentality to the lineup. She’s built to compete, built to attack, and built for big moments.💥

No breaks. No easy possessions. No slowing down.

She’s coming!💪

Welcome to the Birds Nest, Taylor. Let’s Fly Together!⚡

🚨🏀BACKCOURT JUST GOT FASTER!

The Algoma University Thunderbirds are bringing serious speed to the lineup with the signing of MAYA FRANCISCO for the 2026-27 season🔥

A 5’3 guard from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Maya joins the Thunderbirds from the Notre Dame Hounds, bringing quickness, playmaking ability, and relentless energy to the backcourt. Her competitive spirit and ability to push the pace will be a big boost as we continue to strengthen our lineup for the upcoming season.

New city. New jersey. Same competitive fire!

Welcome to the Birds Nest, Maya. Let’s Fly Together!⚡

🏀✍️ ANOTHER BIG ADDITION TO THE NEST!

The Algoma University Thunderbirds Women’s Basketball program is excited to announce the signing of Justine Pierre for the 2026-27 season!⚡

A 5’9 guard/forward from CEGEP Montmorency, Justine brings versatility, toughness, and a high basketball IQ to the Thunderbirds lineup. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor and play multiple positions will be a huge asset as we continue to build momentum heading into the new season. 🔥

We can’t wait to see Justine take the court in Thunderbirds colours!

Welcome to the family, Justine!