WSWIM: Port City Backstroker Joining REDS

The UNB REDS women’s swimming team is adding backstroker Olivia Calder to their recruiting class of 2025.

The 17-year-old, from Saint John, is completing her Grade 12 year at Simonds High School and has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent. She’ll join the REDS ahead of the 2025-2026 Atlantic University Sport season.

“We’re excited to welcome Olivia to the REDS,” said head coach Marta Belsh. “She brings great experience, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude. Those are qualities that will fit right in with our team culture.”

Calder is a veteran member of the Fundy TIDE swim team and the Simonds High Seabees varsity team.

“I was really impressed by how strong the program is and how supportive the team seems,” said Calder. “I want to be part of a group that pushes me to improve and where I can feel proud to represent my school.”

At the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association’s 2024 championship meet, last December, Calder won the gold medal in the senior girls 100-metre backstroke and took silver in the 50-metre backstroke.

In 2022, she represented New Brunswick at the Canada Summer Games.

“I work hard, stay focused, and always try to improve,” she said. “As a teammate, I’m supportive and do my best to keep the team positive and motivated.”

“Olivia has shown she can perform under pressure and contribute to a team atmosphere,” said Coach Belsh.

Calder says her short-term goals as a RED include improving her personal bests and helping the team at meets. Long-term, she says wants to qualify for championship meets and help the REDS be successful.

Calder will enroll in UNB’s Faculty of Arts in the fall and aspires to earn an Education degree.