Although COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on university sports, the UNBC Timberwolves women's soccer squad continues to bolster its roster.
The Timberwolves have announced the commitment of 17-year-old centre back Mackenna de Haan for the 2021-22 season as the pandemic has cancelled the upcoming Fall season.
The Surrey, B.C. native stands a towering six feet tall, which makes her presence on the pitch even more valuable.
“I am excited and proud of my achievements, and glad to know my work over the past fourteen years has paid off. Playing at the university level has been a dream of mine since I joined the BCSPL when I was 11-years-old. It took a lot of hard work," de Haan says in a team release.
"I had to sacrifice extra time with friends and family to work out and do extra training.”
de Haan made a visit to UNBC in November, where she was able to train with the squad and meet coach Neil Sedgwick, who she has known for years already.
“I chose UNBC and the Timberwolves because I loved the school when I visited," she adds. "I enjoy the northern setting and environment, and I felt very comfortable while on campus. I have known Neil since I was 13, and I have always appreciated his advice and the way he coaches.”
“I had the opportunity to train with the team a few times. I got to meet all the players, along with Jo (Wankling, UNBC Assistant Coach), and everyone was super friendly and welcoming. What stood out to me most was how close everyone was, and despite the hard work, everyone was still having fun.”
de Haan currently reps a TSS Academy jersey but is ready for swapping it for Timberwolves colours.
“As a player, I have strong vision on the field and I like to make solid outlet passes," she says. "I am pretty physical and hard-nosed, so I love to make strong tackles. In my first year, I hope to compete for playing time. I expect the Canada West level to be much more intense and fast-paced than what I am used to. I am also expecting the opposition to be more physical and aggressive on a consistent basis.”
Head Coach Neil Sedgwick says de Haan's playing style is very similar to what the Timberwolves' system currently looks like.
“Mackenna plays at TSS Academy, and we know their game model is similar to ours," he says. "This allows Mackenna to come into UNBC with that head start. Her playing ability is sound and, in time, we see Mackenna continuing her growth and making an impact here. She is a central defender who is a good passer of the ball, so she will fit in well. I am excited about her commitment.”
de Haan graduated from Burnsview Secondary School this year and plans to pursue nursing and psychology upon coming to Prince George.
“I love soccer because I have been around it from a very young age," she adds. "I like that it provides an outlet from the stresses of everyday life. I like the companionship of being on a team and creating lifelong friendships.”
