Ahead of the 2024 Canada West season, the UNBC Timberwolves are adding an impact player who can affect the game in multiple ways.
Head coach Steve Simonson has announced that Danish centre back/midfielder Pipeijn (Pip) van der Ende has committed to the UNBC Timberwolves by way of Peninsula College in Washington State.
Last season at Peninsula College, under the guidance of head coach Jake Hughes, van der Ende appeared in all 20 games where he tallied two goals while adding seven assists en route to a 2023 NWAC championship.
Peninsula College captured division banners during each of van der Ende’s two seasons, and last season he was an all-star honourable mention.
“I know a buddy who went to Canada to play, so I knew that option was there,” reflected van der Ende. “Then I came into contact with Steve (Simonson) and it was the right fit immediately. All the people were welcoming and I was like: I have to go here.”
“Steve is a very kind, tactical and smart guy, and I’m having a great time with the guys, hanging out together and getting better on the pitch,” added van der Ende whose greatest strength on the pitch is with the ball at his feet, with the game facing him. Quick ball movement, speed and smart decision-making are all big components of his game.
“Pip is a fantastic addition to our program,” shared Steve Simonson. “He has an incredible brain for the game and fits our philosophy perfectly on the pitch. He has gelled instantly from a social perspective with the group due to his open and genuine personality. Pip also has strong innate leadership traits which I look forward to seeing come out within this overall young group of players.”
Last season he cracked the honour roll three times and the President’s List once at Peninsula and will be studying general business at UNBC. The smaller campus at UNBC is right up his alley, and he’s looking forward to achieving his educational goals.
As for the transition to Canada and the elite calibre of Canada West play, van der Ende is taking it in stride.
“Everything is going to be bigger, faster, stronger so I just have to be quicker and smarter on the ball. Everything is just going to be a tad better than it was,” concluded van der Ende who is soaking up every minute in his new home. “I’m having the time of my life. I just hope I can keep it up and that we can keep it up as a team. Then good things can happen.”
