A native’ of Prince Edward Island and a 1970 graduate of Acadia University, Susan Roberts was an outstanding field hockey and basketball Axette. Susan attended Queen Charlotte High School in Charlottetown, being a member of the school’s field hockey team, the first on the Island. Her grade XI academic year was spent in Edgehill where she combined her studies with such activities as interscholastic basketball, field hockey and hurdling-establishing a senior girl’s record at the annual Acadia relays.
During the fall of 1966, she entered Acadia and became a member of the varsity field hockey squad. In her four seasons as a varsity Axette, Susan’s mentor in both basketball and field hockey was Ms. Vermeulen. Unfortunately, perhaps, for Susan, the coach and the other varsity Axettes, the University of New Brunswick was in the midst of one of Atlantic Canada’s greatest intercollegiate dynasties, being crowned Tri-Province Intercollegiate basketball champions from 1962-63 to 1971-72 and field hockey’s best from 1966-67 to 1971- 72. Chances of a Maritime championship against such formidable opposition were slight.
In her initial season in Acadia garb, Roberts and her field hockey teammates recorded five victories and a tie against four losses. In the team’s second outing that season the Vermeulen-directed Axettes blasted King’s of Halifax, 8-0, as Susan, Nancy Clark and Cynthia Mann each scored a couple of goals. In subsequent 2-0 and 7-0 victories over Dalhousie and King’s respectively, Roberts and teammates displayed fine two-way performances. Against the powerful U.N.B. team, the Axettes dropped a close 2-0 decision.
Following a fourth-place finish in league play during her sophomore year, Susan and teammates enjoyed some memorable moments during the 1968-69 schedule as they scored a 2-1 victory over Mount St. Bernard and held Mt. Allison to a 1-all tie. In suffering 2-0 and 1-0 losses to U .N .B. and Mt. Allison respectively the team received accolades for their determined and skilful play. In her senior year in field hockey, Susan combined her talents with teammates such as scoring sensation Carol Doucet, Sue Burke, Barb Bartlett, Janet Ward, Judy Rice and goaltender Penny Quinn as the team enjoyed several big moments. In exhibition play, they posted convincing victories over the West Kings District High School and Edgehill. In shutting out both St. F.X. and Mt. Allison and registering a 5-1 triumph over Mount St. Bernard, Susan-in her final season of intercollegiate play-and teammates were highly applauded for their high level of performance and their determination to succeed.
On the basketball court, Susan Roberts exhibited skill and leadership qualities. During her initial season of court action during the 1966-67 academic year, she and her teammates were victorious over Dalhousie, Mt. Allison and Mount St. Bernard by scores of 21-11, 34-12 and 28-27. Susan spent the 1967-68 basketball season as a member of the junior varsity squad, returning to play for the varsity Axettes during the 1968-69 schedule. During her senior year, her enthusiasm and optimism were greatly appreciated as she served as manager of the varsity basketball team while still playing varsity field hockey.
Fittingly, during the spring of 1970 with the excitement of graduation exercises in the air, Susan was honored by being named Acadia’s female athlete of the year. For this gifted performer, who earlier had received an MVP Award in field hockey and a couple of gold “A’s” for participation in varsity sports, it was a pleasure for her to join such respected teammates as Joan Aalund, Carol Doucet and Laverne Veinnotte, each of whom, in previous seasons, had been accorded this distinct honor.
Following graduation, and employment in the area of nutrition, Susan has lived in eight of Canada’s provinces and territories and two of the American states. Since graduation, her major form of recreation has been the marathon run. Presently living in Edmonton, Alberta, where she owns her own business and is also employed in Community Development, she takes obvious pride in the fact that she and her family represent five generations of Acadia graduates.
What an honor it is to welcome back to Acadia for induction in its Sports Hall of Fame, Susan Roberts, basketball player, field hockey captain and 1970 female athlete-of-the-year.
