UNB Saint John Athletics
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Finlay Kearney Staunton has officially signed with the Men’s Seawolves volleyball team for the 2021-22 Varsity season. Coming to us from Kentville, NS, Finlay will be graduating from Horton High School where he has achieved honors in each year of his academics. He brings a wealth of athletic achievements and experience which include the Nova Scotia provincial team (five years), multiple volleyball clubs (Axe U14, Wizards U16, Southside Kingsmen U16-U18, Tigers U18), first place High School Regionals, Gold at Nationals for U14, first place at Provincials for Club U16 and U18. Fin is a multisport athlete (soccer, basketball, softball) but volleyball is his main sport and his competitive edge shines when he is on the court. He has made lifelong friends through volleyball, and it continues to offer him numerous experiences.

Fin chose UNB Saint John because he feels it’s a great school to offer him the program of his choice. He notes that it is a good fit for him to further his education while still having the privilege of playing the sport he loves. Once he arrives in the fall, he will be taking the Engineering program, but he has some goals for the season as well.

“My goals are to become a better player and to be able to play at the next level but to push myself to be the best I can be at the next level, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to win”.

As Fin starts a new journey at UNB Saint John, his parent will be rooting for him all the way. They are his biggest support system and role models, and they inspire him to try things outside of his comfort zone. Their encouragement and guidance have led him to where he is now and for that he is forever grateful.

Head coach, Dino Karatzios, reached out to the Nova Scotia Provincial team coach who recommended Fin to play for the Seawolves. He communicated to Coach Karatzios that he stepped his game up completely during his last year, he was originally a soccer guy and played volleyball because his best friend played. His athleticism is strong which helped shape his skill as a volleyball player who is great to watch. Fin’s original plan was to attend Dalhousie for Engineering but decided to change gears and come to UNB Saint John. He is an all-around good player and will be training all summer with Team Nova Scotia to maintain his consistent spin serve and hard hits. He has great ball control and is currently a left side hitter and has made huge leaps in the depths of his volleyball abilities.

Coach Karatzios spoke to Fin on the phone since he could not see him play in person due to Covid. He notes that Fin is very serious about volleyball and the Seawolves program, he asked the right questions and has a great state of mind to play on the team.

“I love the fact that he has been playing left side, that’s a hard position and something we need on our team. His ability to play defense, serve/receive, spin serve and hit really hard makes him a contender to be a starter in his first year. Time will tell if he steps up, but if I were a betting man, I would bet on seeing lots of Fin in the next season”.

Welcome to the Seawolves Family Fin!