Neil Sedgwick has found an engine for his offence.
The head coach of the UNBC women's soccer team has added winger Sonja Neitsch to his roster for the 2017 Canada West Universities Athletic Association season. Neitsch is a product of the Calgary Blizzard club program and caught the attention of Sedgwick at a western college identification camp.
"Sonja has proven herself as a dynamic attacking player," Sedgwick said. "She is a player who will bring pace and experience in wide positions. She impressed me at the camp with her ability to run at defenders and create opportunities for her teammates."
Neitsch worked directly with Sedgwick at the camp and said she was drawn to his coaching style and positive attitude. She later visited the UNBC campus and met some of her prospective teammates, which she said "sealed the deal." Neitsch is now looking forward to finishing high school and being back in Prince George in advance of the 2017 Canada West campaign.
"I hope to bring energy, urgency and composure to the team," said Neitsch, who plans to pursue a bachelor of science degree while at UNBC. "I have always been a very determined, positive and hard-working player. Next year I want to push myself mentally, physically and emotionally to become a better student, athlete and teammate."
Neitsch is the eighth player recruited by Sedgwick since the end of the 2016 season. The others are local players Kierstin Vohar, Whitney Anderson and Hannah Emmond, as well as Kaitlyn Chojnacki (Victoria), Mikaela Cadorette (Richmond), Kyra Wallace (Penticton) and Hallie Nystedt (Saanich).
When the 2017 season kicks off, the Timberwolves will be in their sixth season at the Canada West level and will be looking to improve upon a 0-12-1 record in 2016, which was Sedgwick's first year at the controls of the UNBC program.
