As the UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer program looks to take the next big step in 2025, the backline is getting a boost from the South Pacific.
Head Coach Steve Simonson announced today that right wing back Jamie Wildash-Chan of Wellington, New Zealand has committed to the Green and Gold for the 2025 season and beyond.
Wildash-Chan, 19, played last season with Western Suburbs in the Central League under the watchful eye of head coach Alan Koch, who now heads the University of Guelph. Western Suburbs finished second in league competition, which allowed them to qualify for the National League Championship in New Zealand.
For his efforts, the 5’8” defender was named U19 Western Suburbs Player of the Year. Wildash-Chan has also competed for Wellington College at the high school level where he earned the Wellington College Futsal Player of the Year Award along with a training stint with Hearts of Midlothian FC in Scotland.
“My biggest strength is my mentality and my work-rate,” explained the newest member of the TWolves.“I like to be involved in the attack, putting in crosses, scoring goals, and taking on players. And on the other side I like to defend and help on the last line wherever needed.”
Steve Simonson’s reputation as a mentor and coach was a major selling factor in bringing Wildash-Chan to northern BC “Every person who I’ve spoken to that knows Steve, has spoken very highly of him as a coach and as a person which makes me very excited to work under him,” shared Wildash-Chan.
“I believe he's the right person to help me push and improve to therefore help the team go as far as possible.”
After watching a handful of UNBC’s games from last season, Wildash-Chan offered, “I’ve been impressed at the team’s work ethic, intensity and chemistry on the pitch. Watching some of the past games has made me very eager to see if I can make a positive impact on the squad.”
Simonson added, “Jamie is a dynamic winger and wing back with an incredible work ethic and strong leadership traits. in all my interactions with Jamie he demonstrates all the right characteristics not just as a player but as a person to help grow what’s already headed towards being a very strong program here at UNBC. We can’t wait to have him join us in August as we believe he’ll be a fantastic fit at our school.”
Wildash-Chan plans to study psychology at UNBC after earning Wellington College Well-being prefect honours along with a National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 1) (achieved with excellence) and a National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 3) physics (achieved with excellence).
Wildash-Chan has done his homework when it comes to his new school.
“I was very impressed with how connected with nature the university is,” remarked Wildash-Chan. “Additionally, UNBC’s global university ranking impressed my parents and I. I feel like it will be a great place for me to study.”
As for his transition to the Canada West conference, Wildash-Chan has a solid grasp of its reputation as the top soccer conference in the country.
“I’m really excited to make the move from the Wellington Central League to Canada West,’” he said. “I hear it’s a very competitive league and I can’t wait to test myself against new opponents.”
