The UNBC Timberwolves have added some attacking sting to their women’s soccer lineup for next season.
They signed midfielder Sophie Postlethwaite of Victoria to a university commitment .
Postlethwaite will be graduating this year from Stelley’s Secondary School in Victoria, where she was a dominant component on the Stingers high school team coached by Jenny Large and Ryan Braun.
The five-foot-eight Postlethwaite also suited up for the 2007-born Van Isle Wave of the BC Soccer Premier League, coached by Cody Ackinclose. One of her teammates on that team was fellow 2025 UNBC women’s soccer recruit Laney Stewart.
“I got to visit UNBC last summer and all the girls were super welcoming and the campus is beautiful,” said Postlethwaite, who points out that TWolves’ head coach Neil Sedgwick was a big factor for her decision to commit to UNBC.
“Neil is the type of coach I want to play for. I love his style of play and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
On the pitch, Postlethwaite brings a well-rounded skillset and an obvious positivity to all she does. “Some of my strengths are my technical ability, my stamina and my shot from distance,” she said. “But what I focus most on is being a positive and supportive teammate. I bring lots of energy to every practice and game.”
Scholastically, Postlethwaite has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study Health Sciences at UNBC with the career goal of working in healthcare. Later this month, Postlethwaite is heading to Tanzania with her Global Perspectives class to help build school dorms.
“We are excited about Sophie joining the Timberwolves,” said Sedgwick. “With a high desire to improve on top of a strong playing foundation, we think that Sophie will thrive in the program’s development focus.
“It has been wonderful to get to know her more, while hearing consistent messaging from her coaches and her teachers about the depth of her character, and her growth on the field. We look forward Sophie’s arrival at UNBC.”
As she begins to prepare for soccer at the next level, Postlethwaite is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
“The jump to Canada West won’t be easy,” Postlethwaite said. “The games will be faster paced and more aggressive but I’m excited to challenge myself to see how that affects my play. I know I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m excited to improve and continue to play soccer at an elite level.”
