If the UNBC Timberwolves women's soccer team needs someone to move mountains to clear the path to victory next season in the U Sports Canada West conference they might turn to Kenzie Chilcott.
As an off-road runner, Chilcott is quite adept at turning mountains into molehills.
She proved she can go the distance back in August when she won the women's 18-and-under category in the Emporer's Challenge, a grueling 20-kilometre race in the northern Rockies near Tumbler Ridge.
Chilcott's endurance and soccer skills she learned growing up in Fort St. John could serve the T-wolves well over the next five seasons now that she's committed to the team as a defender.
"Soccer has always come naturally," said the 17-year-old Chilcott, in a UNBC team release. "I have done it the longest, and the idea of letting it go didn't feel good. I know it is close to my heart. This is a big relief, and a big step, and now I am just excited for this to happen."
Her cross-country running ability and conditioning should serve her well on the soccer field.
"I like to get into tackles," Chilcott said. "I am fast, so I have been the one to chase opposition down. I really have been trying to take more risks playing forward, because I play so defensively. That will be something to see, along with, hopefully, some goals."
Chilcott visited the UNBC campus twice in the past two years and has had a chance to train with the T-wolves. She's a product of the Northern Strikers club program in Fort St. John and she's been monitoring the T-wolves' progress as Canada West playoff contenders the past two seasons.
"When I saw Mara (McCleary) scored their first playoff goal, I just lit up," said Chilcott. "I felt like I was beside her cheering her on. That just pumps me up for next year.
"One of the things Neil (T-wolves head coach Sedgwick) talks about is being comfortable being uncomfortable. (The Strikers) have played like the Timberwolves, and I want to continue that. I love how Neil inspires us to grow and get better. That fits me really well.
"Seeing how this team works as a community, and Neil not pushing the culture on anyone. It just happens naturally around him. I am really a community-based person and I love having a culture where everyone is equal."
Sedgwick expects the five-foot-nine Chicott to make a smooth adjustment from youth soccer to U Sports in 2019, joining a team that will have the bulk of its roster made up of returning players.
"Kenzie is a truly exciting prospect for this program," said Sedgwick. "She has seemingly limitless energy and grit to her game. Her playing environment in Fort St. John has more than prepared her to take the next step.
"When recruiting, we look for two key qualities. A love of continued growth in the game, and the work capacity to support that desire. Kenzie checks both those boxes in a major way. When you look in her eyes during training, it's easy to see how much she cares. She is constantly searching for deeper understanding, and then she takes action."
Chilcott currently attends North Peace Secondary School in Fort St. John and she plans to study civil engineering at UNBC.
Last week, UNBC committed to five-foot-eight fullback Kalista Kirkness of Chilliwack for the 2019 season. Kirkness met Sedgwick when he served as a guest coach for her club team Coastal FC in the B.C. Soccer Premier League.
"Soccer has been my life since I was four years old," said Kirkness. "When Neil came and ran a session with our team, it became clear this was something I wanted to do. I pursued it, and to be a part of a varsity team like this is really amazing. I am really proud of being able to play at this level, and I am really excited."
The 17-year-old Sardis secondary school honour-roll student has applied for UNBC's bio-medical program. As for her on-field attributes, she says she's not afraid of the physical side of soccer.
"I am really looking to grow in my technical ability," said Kirkness. "I am a good passer, but I am looking to improve on my one-on-one skills. I love to release and get up on the attack. Plus, I am gritty. If someone hits, they can expect it back. I am excited."
