A Prince George athlete is ready to take the collegiate pitch next season, which is set to have a later start date as a result of COVID-19.
Arianna Payne is committing to the Grande Prairie Wolves (GPRC) for her 2020-21 rookie campaign at the Canadian College Athletics Association (CCAA) level, one step below UNBC and U-Sports.
The big difference, however, is the CCAA’s soccer committee has rescheduled their season for spring 2021 in waiting to see the state of the current pandemic, whereas U-Sports’ competitive footy was cancelled altogether.
Regardless, Payne tells PrinceGeorgeMatters she’s looking forward to joining GPRC, adding it’ll provide her with opportunity both on and off the field.
“I chose GPRC because their women’s soccer team is strong and everyone there is hard-working and dedicated,” the 18-year-old explained.
“I feel I can bring a voice and quick transition to the team.”
The Duchess Park graduate and product of the Prince George Youth Soccer Association (PGYSA) acts as a centre midfielder as well as a striker when summoned.
Wolves’ Head Coach Chris Morgan took notice of Payne’s development in recent years, believing her soccer IQ can be of great value to his women’s squad.
“I am looking forward to watching Arianna play at GPRC,” he said.
“When watching her play, she is adaptable and can play in several positions. She recovers quickly and shows good game awareness which is pleasing to see.”
Not only has Payne been a proven leader at the local level, but also boasts an impressive resume regionally and provincially.
This includes stints at the 2014 and 2016 B.C. Summer Games, the 2018 north-central zone MVP with Duchess Park and a spot on the Vancouver Whitecaps’ roster at a women’s international tournament in Seattle.
She hopes that experience can lead to a smooth transition to the next stage of her career.
“I hope to accomplish winning and succeeding on the field, and being a key player for the team. I also hope to accomplish being as fit as possible.”
Payne plans to study kinesiology at the northern Alberta institution.
GPRC finished fourth in its division for the 2019-20 season with a record of 5-5-2 and 17 points, just one shy of a playoff berth.
