Prince George's Madeleine Heal has seen her hard work and determination earn her a spot in the University of Northern British Columbia's women's soccer team.
Head coach Neil Sedgwick announced Heal’s commitment to UNBC for the 2025 Canada West season Monday.
With help from coaches Joanne Bray and Mark Chadwick in the Prince George Youth Soccer Association, Heal has consistently proven herself a valuable and effective soccer player, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by the UNBC, the team notes.
Heal, who is set to graduate from Duchess Park Secondary School, has earned her stripes with her team winning the NCDSAA zone championship for the past three seasons, as well as earning the team MVP honors and the Top Midfielder Award during the zone championship tournament.
“I really like the team atmosphere here. I’ve gotten to know a lot of the girls through my Timberwolves Academy Training and so I feel like it will be a seamless transition for me,” said Heal in her commitment video. “It’ll be surreal to play in front of my friends and family after growing up watching the Timberwolves. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to put that uniform on, and now I can be an inspiration to the younger girls who I’ve played with too – it’s going to be amazing.”
Heal’s strengths as a player include, but aren't limited to, going head-to-head with her opponents and picking the right moments for passes. Off the field, she is also a scholastic achiever landing herself on the Duchess Park honour roll and Principal’s List.
“Being able to live here and being able to train with the team full-time in the new year is a huge deal, said Heal. "I'm ready to immerse myself in training to become the best player I can be before the season starts.”
