A Prince George teenager has committed to making the long journey home to take the next step in her soccer ambitions.
Alyson Raper has decided to begin her collegiate career with the UNBC Timberwolves in signing with her home post-secondary school for the 2020-21 season.
When the opportunity presented itself, the 17-year-old moved to Vancouver in 2019 to join Fusion Football Club, an elite-level BC soccer program where she thrived in her position as goalkeeper.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking, because it’s a very competitive league,” said Raper in a UNBC Athletics’ release about what’s to come in her first Canada West season.
“I realize that I’ve worked hard and I deserve this, so I am very excited to compete at a new level. [...] “I am a hardworking player. I like to get feedback so I can improve my game and how I play. I am also a very supportive teammate. Whenever I have a bad day, when I step on the field for practice or a game, all my worries go away. It makes my day.”
Raper touts a lot of provincial experience to her resume in addition to playing in Vancouver as she is an alum of the BC Summer Games.
She attended UNBC’s prospect camp in November where T-Wolves’ Women’s Soccer Head Coach Neil Sedgwick quickly noted her progression between the pipes.
“After having Alyson in our academy, and having her back at the Northern Sport Centre for camp, you could really notice her progress technically. Her time with Fusion FC has provided her with more experience in goal, and she has come back with more balance in her performances. It will be great to have a Prince George product back home.”
Raper stands as a five-foot-four goalkeeper but has been dedicated to the position for the last seven years since being involved with the Prince George Youth Soccer Association.
She says she’s looking forward to going up against some of the country’s best athletes on the pitch.
“I know for a fact it’s going to be a lot of harder, because it’s a higher level, but I don’t know exactly what to expect. I am hoping to get a lot of feedback from the older goalkeepers and from Neil, so I can get a lot better for second year.”
Raper will graduate Point Grey Secondary School this year and plans to study English at UNBC.
The Lady T-Wolves are coming off its third straight Canada West playoff appearance.
