Brazier Means Business

Third-year X-Women guard Ella Brazier has added another accomplishment to her already impressive StFX journey. This fall, she was named Community Relations Lead with the StFX Women in Business Society - a role that highlights her natural ability to connect with others and her commitment to making an impact beyond the basketball court.

For Ella, this new opportunity is deeply personal. "I had such a good experience with WIB when I was in my first two years - I was inspired by them and now have the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way," she explains. "I'm glad that I'll be able to make an impact for the school and for other Business students. I'm also excited to have the opportunity to work alongside other strong female leaders."

Balancing basketball, academics, and extracurricular leadership is no small task, but Ella has embraced the challenge. "Being able to manage my time and plan ahead is something I've gotten good at during my first two years at X," she says. "I want to stay present in whatever I'm doing at any given time so I can be at my best. I want to have as many experiences at X as possible because finding time for a variety of experiences will help make me more well-rounded."

On the court, Brazier is equally driven to make her mark. "I want to do everything I can to help our team win an AUS Championship and get to play in the U SPORTS Final 8 National Championships," she offered. "I think I bring energy, leadership, and timely shooting, but I'm also focused on becoming a more consistent playmaker. I aim to uplift my teammates to make them be the best they can be."

She also sees direct parallels between playing basketball and serving in an executive leadership role. "Teamwork is the first thing that comes to mind," she notes. "The WIB executive all have our own individual focus areas and responsibilities, but it is the synergy of being part of a team that makes us more than the sum of our parts."

Looking ahead, Ella sees her role as a way to build connections that will extend well beyond her university years. "The StFX alumni is special - and the relationships we get to build are going to be invaluable going forward. The StFX community extends beyond just campus or the east coast - so no matter where I go, it will be beneficial to be able to lean on those relationships."

She also has advice for younger student-athletes who might be considering getting involved on campus. "Don't be hesitant to put yourself out there. People appreciate when student-athletes are able to step up. As a group, we tend to be high-achievers, hardworking, and dependable - all characteristics that translate well into other environments. StFX is an incredible place to test ourselves and push beyond our comfort area - that's where growth happens."

Her coaches see this achievement as a natural extension of who she is. Head coach Matt Spencer describes her as "a connector who thrives when she's in a position to lead. Ella is a great example of the well-rounded student-athletes we want representing our program and StFX."

Brazier and the X-Women kick off their pre-season exhibition schedule this weekend when they host the Nipissing University Lakers for a pair of games. The season opener is Saturday at 6:00pm on Coach K Court, with the teams squaring off again on Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm to close out the weekend.

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