“I just think it’s one of those opportunities I would definitely regret if I never tried and committed to.”
A big chance? Maybe, but Grace Gillman is going all in for her final year of studies at UNBC before she’s set to graduate next year and move on to a career in mining.
Before she hangs up the cleats, the Duncan, B.C. product is committing herself to playing for the Timberwolves women’s soccer team in its 2021-22 campaign, should COVID-19 allow it.
The catch, she’ll be a 27-year-old senior rookie. The average age of the current roster is roughly 19.5 years old.
An uncommon circumstance at Canada’s highest level of collegiate sports, but not entirely unheard of, especially when eligibility remains open for current university students like Gillman and catch the eye of coaches.
“Seeing the girls play in previous years, I needed to be out there,” she said in a team release today (April 8) about her commitment.
“I am competitive enough that I needed to know if I could play at this level. [...] I forgot how much there is to learn, so it’s a huge opportunity to continue to learn and grow and progress as a player. I am so excited for the next season, to see how much I can do in my final year.”
Gillman has been training with the Lady T-Wolves this past year as the pandemic and health restrictions allowed team practices on and off the pitch.
Head Coach Neil Sedgwick says the midfielder immediately fit in among her teammates, providing experience from her days in the Metro Soccer League, which boasts some of B.C.’s best athletes in the game.
“It has been wonderful to watch her abilities progress,” he explained.
“She brings a great deal of experience, poise, and maturity to our program, and she possesses a true appetite for continued growth. I am really happy to officially add her to the Timberwolves program.”
Gillman, a graduate of Cowichan Secondary School, is willing to take a chance on herself, UNBC Athletics states, and she believes she can be a good playmaker on offensive breakouts.
“I definitely have a very good vision of the game and of the whole field. I think that comes from starting my soccer career on defense. I love making attacking plays and playing outside on the wing, getting forward, and getting opportunities at goal.”
Gillman will graduate with an Environmental Science degree in summer 2022, currently completing her fourth year of studies.
She’s set to rejoin UNBC Timberwolves training camp in August.
