Don't blink or you might miss her.
The UNBC Timberwolves have announced that Prince George product Sohanna Bains will be joining its women's soccer squad for the 2021-22 Canada West season and beyond.
“It’s unreal," Bains said, a product of Prince George Youth Soccer Association (PGYSA).
"It doesn’t feel like it’s happening. It’s a dream come true. [...] I have always wanted to play for UNBC, so I am just excited. It is so exciting to think of all my friends and family, watching games in Prince George. To see me, from playing in PGYSA to UNBC, it’s pretty cool.”
Bains is already familiar with the man at the helm of the team, Neil Sedgwick, having also trained the Epic Junior Timberwolves Academy and noting his instrumental impact to her growth as a player.
Sedgwick says he was impressed with the 17-year-old's natural abilities of the game as well as her eagerness to learn.
“Sohanna, like Morgan Holyk this year, is a product of our Timberwolves Academy," he added in a team release today (Jan. 15).
"Hearing the same messaging for years now, she understands our references and has a great relationship already with our student-athletes. It will be fun to watch her continue to grow when she is full time in the program."
Bains can play numerous positions on the field, specifically midfield and fullback, but is ready to step in where she may be needed.
“I think, as a fullback, I am pretty quick, so I will be running those lines. I have good vision on the pitch, so definitely some good passes.”
Bains only stands at 5'4", and while she knows that may not bring major physicality to the game at the Canada West level, she's confident to take on challenge.
"Now we are playing girls five years older than me, and I am a pretty small person," she explained.
"Everyone wants to be good, and to win. Just playing with girls like that will be challenging, but it will be fun.”
“Overall, my development from Grade eight to Grade 12 has been huge," she adds.
"To see how far I can push that over the next four or five years [...] To see how my goals changes, and maybe play on past university level. We’ll see.”
Bains is set to graduate from College Heights Elementary School this coming June, currently planning become a physiotherapist or be involved in athletic therapy.
University soccer was cancelled across Canada for the 2020-21 season last summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, if players wish to take advantage, eligibility will be waived.
A normal women's soccer season for UNBC traditionally begins in late August or early September.
