Shonda Couroux decided her best soccer option didn't require a change of address.
Couroux, who developed her skills in the Prince George Youth Soccer Association, is the latest player to commit to the UNBC Timberwolves women's team for the 2016 Canada West season. She had drawn interest from other schools - including Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops - but opted to stay at home. A big part of her decision was her comfort level with new UNBC head coach Neil Sedgwick.
"I liked the direction he was going with the team, and how he wanted to make us better, not just as a team, but also as individuals," said Couroux, a D.P. Todd secondary school student who has applied for entrance into UNBC's bachelor of arts program. "He really sold me on wanting to stay here."
Sedgwick has taken over from Andy Cameron, who was relieved of his duties in November. Under Cameron's guidance, the Timberwolves posted an overall record of 3-37-10 in their first four years in Canada West.
Sedgwick, hired in February, is happy to have Couroux in the mix for 2016 and beyond.
"She brings a number of intangibles to our program and will definitely help with the program's growth," he said. "Shonda has a love for the game and that shines through in her play.
"As a tenacious competitor in both training and games, she will help her teammates grow daily, whilst causing havoc for our opposition," he added.
Couroux was part of a PGYSA Timberwolves team that won a bronze medal at the A-level youth soccer provincials last summer. Another member of that squad was midfielder Paige Payne, who has also signed on with UNBC.
"I didn't think we would actually end up playing on the same team, but we're really good friends," Couroux said. "We feed off each other when we play. We play really well together - we're sort of like a tag team."
The new season starts in September.
The UNBC Athletics Awards Banquet will be held tonight at the Hart Crown Banquet Hall. The banquet will start with a 6 p.m. reception, which will be followed by dinner and the presentation of awards
