University of St. Thomas Athletics
Tommie Women's Hockey publicizes 2023 National Signing Day class
11/14/2022 4:34:00 PM | Women's Hockey
St. Thomas Womens's Hockey Head Coach Joel Johnson announced the 2023 Tommie Signing Class.
The signing class features nine student-athletes, seven from Minnesota, one from North Dakota, and one from Manitoba.
Abby Garvin (F, 5-5, Edina, Minn., Benilde-St. Margaret's)
High School
Named captain of three varsity sports…all-state selection for soccer…three time conference champion in hockey…winner of the Hardest Worker Award…member of the National Language Honors Society
Personal
Daughter of Jennifer and Michael Garvin…three siblings, Izzy, Ashley, and Nolan…father, Mike played football at St. Thomas from 1994-1997.
Why St. Thomas?: I choose St. Thomas for its great mix of strong athletics and outstanding academics. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the amazing coaching staff and be a part of the team.
Cara Sajevic (F, 5-4, Shoreview, Minn., Gentry HS)
High School
Leader in Gentry program history in goals (47) and points (71)…Two year captain…Minnesota State Class 1A Runner-up…Pioneer Press Girls East Metro Player of the Year Runner-up…ran both track and cross country…part of school record holding 4x400m team…4.20 GPA…member of National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Jill and Pete Sajevic… one sibling, Nick…mother Jill ran cross country and track at Bethel University…grandpa Skip played football at Hamline University…uncle Bob played hockey at Air Force Academy and is currently number two on all-time goals and points lists … major is currently undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose the University of St. Thomas because of its beautiful campus, great academics with small class sizes, and the amazing coaching staff. It will be a perfect fit for me to excel both on and off the ice. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to big things ahead!
Ella Boerger (F, 5-7, , Andover, Minn., Andover HS)
High School
Four-year varsity hockey, golf, and tennis…two-year captain of all three sports…two-time Minnesota High School Class 2A State Champion…part of 30-0 undefeated 2022 season for Andover…voted team MVP…Star Tribune All-Metro First Team…member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Brent and Heidi Boerger… one sibling, Brock…father Brent played hockey at Wisconsin Superior…major remains undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose the University of St. Thomas because of its academic reputation. The small campus, inviting team culture, and support of the Tommie Alumni network helped me recognize how special St. Thomas is. When Coach Johnson shared his vision for building the St. Thomas Women's Hockey team, I knew I wanted the challenge of being part of building the Tommie program. Coach Johnson, Brausen, and Sertich are one of the most experienced coaching staff in the country. I can tell they care about my personal development as a student/athlete, and St. Thomas will set me up for success in the future. I am very fortunate for this opportunity to be called a Tommie. Roll Toms.
Ellah Hause (D, 5-6, Forest Lake, Minn., Hill Murray HS)
High School
Three time All-Conference…All-State Honorable Mention…All-Metro Second Team…member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Dana and Andy Hause… one sibling, Kole…uncle John played hockey at Bemidji State… major remains undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose UST because of the small beautiful campus, amazing academics, a great coaching staff, and the opportunity to play in the WCHA. I felt this was a perfect fit coming from Hill-Murray.
Keara Parker (F, 5-7, Winnipeg, Manitoba., George Elliot Secondary School)
High School
CSSHL MVP Nominee…honour roll with distinction.
Personal
Daughter of Kim Bell and Wes Parker… one sibling, Quinn… plans to major in business.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose St. Thomas because of the outstanding academics, coaching staff, campus, and limitless potential of the team! I am extremely excited to work with the coaching staff and hit the ice as a Tommie!
Laine DeVries (D, 5-6, Lindstrom, Minn., Chisago Lakes HS)
High School
Varsity hockey captain…Minnesota State Hockey Tournament team semi-finalist…three time conference champion…four time All-Conference Academic Team…three-year varsity tennis…three-year varsity golf..golf team Academic State Champion…member of the National Honor Society…department award winner in AP Biology, AP US History, and Art.
Personal
Daughter of Jason and Nicole DeVries… four siblings, Claire, Grace, Nora, and Rose…father, Jason wrestled at Indiana University…grandfather, Doug Peltier played hockey for Minnesota … plans to major in biology.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose UST because of the team's unmatched culture and coaching staff. The opportunity to get an excellent education, and compete in the WCHA conference as an underdog makes me so excited. Its location is also close to home, which means that my family is never too far away to come watch me play.
Maddie Brown (F, 5-9, Andover, Minn., Andover HS)
High School
One time Minnesota High School Class 2A State Champion…one time All-Conference selection…two time North Dakota State Champion…4.09 GPA…member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Michael and Karen Brown… three siblings, Christopher, Alexis, and Nicholas…father, Michael played football at Bismarck State … plans to major in pre-med.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose UST because of the great coaching staff, the awesome atmosphere within the hockey program and it is part of the competitive WCHA conference. I felt like I belonged as soon as I stepped on campus. I love the location of the school, and all of the academic opportunities that it provides. I am excited to have the opportunity to play with other great players who also have committed to play at UST.
Maddy Helmstetter (F, 5-5, Minneapolis, Minn., Holy Family Catholic HS)
High School
Named to the Wright County All-Conference Team…named to the A Honor Roll.
Personal
Daughter of Lisa and Bryan Helmstetter…two siblings…Kyle and Sara…plans to major in pre-med and minor in psychology.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose St. Thomas because it just felt right from the moment I first spoke to the coaching staff. The atmosphere is amazing and I am super excited to be a part of a building program with such high potential.
Rylee Bartz (F, 5-8, Fargo, ND., Warroad HS)
High School
Four years varsity soccer…three years varsity volleyball…four years varsity hockey…two-time All-State in hockey…2022 Hockey State Tournament MVP…North Dakota state record 68 goals in a season..member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Bryan and Rachel Bartz… one sibling, Owen… major is currently undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose St. Thomas because I love the size and location of the campus, the excellent and strong reputation for their academic programs, to have the opportunity to work with such a talented coaching staff and being part of the hockey team. Roll Toms.
The signing class features nine student-athletes, seven from Minnesota, one from North Dakota, and one from Manitoba.
| Name | Position | Height | Hometown | High School |
| Abby Garvin | F | 5-5 | Edina, Minn. | Benilde-St. Margaret's |
| Cara Sajevic | F | 5-4 | Shoreview, Minn. | Gentry High School |
| Ella Boerger | F | 5-7 | Andover, Minn. | Andover High School |
| Ellah Hause | D | 5-6 | Forest Lake, Minn. | Hill Murray High School |
| Keara Parker | F | 5-7 | Winnipeg, Manitoba | George Elliot Secondary School |
| Laine DeVries | D | 5-6 | Lindstrom, Minn. | Chisago Lakes High School |
| Maddie Brown | F | 5-9 | Andover, Minn. | Andover High School |
| Maddy Helmstetter | F | 5-5 | Minneapolis, Minn. | Holy Family Catholic High School |
| Rylee Bartz | F | 5-8 | Fargo, ND. | Warroad High School |
Abby Garvin (F, 5-5, Edina, Minn., Benilde-St. Margaret's)
High School
Named captain of three varsity sports…all-state selection for soccer…three time conference champion in hockey…winner of the Hardest Worker Award…member of the National Language Honors Society
Personal
Daughter of Jennifer and Michael Garvin…three siblings, Izzy, Ashley, and Nolan…father, Mike played football at St. Thomas from 1994-1997.
Why St. Thomas?: I choose St. Thomas for its great mix of strong athletics and outstanding academics. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the amazing coaching staff and be a part of the team.
Cara Sajevic (F, 5-4, Shoreview, Minn., Gentry HS)
High School
Leader in Gentry program history in goals (47) and points (71)…Two year captain…Minnesota State Class 1A Runner-up…Pioneer Press Girls East Metro Player of the Year Runner-up…ran both track and cross country…part of school record holding 4x400m team…4.20 GPA…member of National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Jill and Pete Sajevic… one sibling, Nick…mother Jill ran cross country and track at Bethel University…grandpa Skip played football at Hamline University…uncle Bob played hockey at Air Force Academy and is currently number two on all-time goals and points lists … major is currently undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose the University of St. Thomas because of its beautiful campus, great academics with small class sizes, and the amazing coaching staff. It will be a perfect fit for me to excel both on and off the ice. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to big things ahead!
Ella Boerger (F, 5-7, , Andover, Minn., Andover HS)
High School
Four-year varsity hockey, golf, and tennis…two-year captain of all three sports…two-time Minnesota High School Class 2A State Champion…part of 30-0 undefeated 2022 season for Andover…voted team MVP…Star Tribune All-Metro First Team…member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Brent and Heidi Boerger… one sibling, Brock…father Brent played hockey at Wisconsin Superior…major remains undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose the University of St. Thomas because of its academic reputation. The small campus, inviting team culture, and support of the Tommie Alumni network helped me recognize how special St. Thomas is. When Coach Johnson shared his vision for building the St. Thomas Women's Hockey team, I knew I wanted the challenge of being part of building the Tommie program. Coach Johnson, Brausen, and Sertich are one of the most experienced coaching staff in the country. I can tell they care about my personal development as a student/athlete, and St. Thomas will set me up for success in the future. I am very fortunate for this opportunity to be called a Tommie. Roll Toms.
Ellah Hause (D, 5-6, Forest Lake, Minn., Hill Murray HS)
High School
Three time All-Conference…All-State Honorable Mention…All-Metro Second Team…member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Dana and Andy Hause… one sibling, Kole…uncle John played hockey at Bemidji State… major remains undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose UST because of the small beautiful campus, amazing academics, a great coaching staff, and the opportunity to play in the WCHA. I felt this was a perfect fit coming from Hill-Murray.
Keara Parker (F, 5-7, Winnipeg, Manitoba., George Elliot Secondary School)
High School
CSSHL MVP Nominee…honour roll with distinction.
Personal
Daughter of Kim Bell and Wes Parker… one sibling, Quinn… plans to major in business.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose St. Thomas because of the outstanding academics, coaching staff, campus, and limitless potential of the team! I am extremely excited to work with the coaching staff and hit the ice as a Tommie!
Laine DeVries (D, 5-6, Lindstrom, Minn., Chisago Lakes HS)
High School
Varsity hockey captain…Minnesota State Hockey Tournament team semi-finalist…three time conference champion…four time All-Conference Academic Team…three-year varsity tennis…three-year varsity golf..golf team Academic State Champion…member of the National Honor Society…department award winner in AP Biology, AP US History, and Art.
Personal
Daughter of Jason and Nicole DeVries… four siblings, Claire, Grace, Nora, and Rose…father, Jason wrestled at Indiana University…grandfather, Doug Peltier played hockey for Minnesota … plans to major in biology.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose UST because of the team's unmatched culture and coaching staff. The opportunity to get an excellent education, and compete in the WCHA conference as an underdog makes me so excited. Its location is also close to home, which means that my family is never too far away to come watch me play.
Maddie Brown (F, 5-9, Andover, Minn., Andover HS)
High School
One time Minnesota High School Class 2A State Champion…one time All-Conference selection…two time North Dakota State Champion…4.09 GPA…member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Michael and Karen Brown… three siblings, Christopher, Alexis, and Nicholas…father, Michael played football at Bismarck State … plans to major in pre-med.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose UST because of the great coaching staff, the awesome atmosphere within the hockey program and it is part of the competitive WCHA conference. I felt like I belonged as soon as I stepped on campus. I love the location of the school, and all of the academic opportunities that it provides. I am excited to have the opportunity to play with other great players who also have committed to play at UST.
Maddy Helmstetter (F, 5-5, Minneapolis, Minn., Holy Family Catholic HS)
High School
Named to the Wright County All-Conference Team…named to the A Honor Roll.
Personal
Daughter of Lisa and Bryan Helmstetter…two siblings…Kyle and Sara…plans to major in pre-med and minor in psychology.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose St. Thomas because it just felt right from the moment I first spoke to the coaching staff. The atmosphere is amazing and I am super excited to be a part of a building program with such high potential.
Rylee Bartz (F, 5-8, Fargo, ND., Warroad HS)
High School
Four years varsity soccer…three years varsity volleyball…four years varsity hockey…two-time All-State in hockey…2022 Hockey State Tournament MVP…North Dakota state record 68 goals in a season..member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Daughter of Bryan and Rachel Bartz… one sibling, Owen… major is currently undecided.
Why St. Thomas?: I chose St. Thomas because I love the size and location of the campus, the excellent and strong reputation for their academic programs, to have the opportunity to work with such a talented coaching staff and being part of the hockey team. Roll Toms.
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