Timberwolves' latest addition comes to the team from Germany

The UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer program has made a major addition ahead of the 2025 Canada West season.

Head coach Neil Sedgwick announced on Saturday that German-born goalkeeper Johanna Rathke of Bremen, Germany, has committed to the Timberwolves. Rathke, a 5-foot-11 keeper, arrives in Prince George after playing last season with TSV Jahn Calden — a third-division team that competed in southern Germany.

She will also begin her Master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Northern British Columbia.

“I think I can bring experience to the team,” said Rathke, who has played soccer since the age of 10. “For college soccer, I’m an older player and from a soccer skills side, I’m not afraid. I hope that I can help this team.”

Rathke has played in various leagues and cities over the years. Her highlights include winning two regional championships in Bremen and reaching the second round of the national DFB-Pokal competition, where she played against Mainz 05 at Bruchweg Stadium.

“We are excited about Johanna joining us,” said Sedgwick. “She brings a great deal of experience in the goal and has already fit in well with the team. As a graduate student, Johanna brings maturity and a calmness. We are delighted that she has become a Timberwolf.”

Rathke said her early interactions with Sedgwick and the rest of the Timberwolves squad have been overwhelmingly positive.

“Neil seems to be really passionate about what he’s doing,” she said. “He gives you good feelings as a new player. I feel very welcomed by him and the entire team — even if I’m from another continent.”

Off the field, Rathke boasts an impressive academic résumé. She was awarded the Deutschlandstipendium and Niedersachsenstipendium scholarships during her undergraduate studies. She also earned a poster prize for her presentation of her bachelor’s thesis at the international 76th Mosbacher Kolloquium.

She is a proud member of the Hans Rigel Foundation for her project work in biology and has competed nationally in the Biology Olympiads.

As the Timberwolves prepare for their home opener on Aug. 22, Rathke and her teammates are training hard for what promises to be an exciting Canada West season.

“Playing as a team, fighting together and making memories on the field — and next to it — is amazing,” said Rathke. “I enjoy soccer because it provides balance and a break from academics and studying.”