Image Credit: TRU WolfPack Athletics

By Adam Donnelly

THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY

WolfPack Soccer getting in offseason work and preparing for spring camps

Mar 14, 2023 | 4:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — A biting wind blew through WolfPack men’s soccer practice on Tuesday morning (Mar. 14) as a reminder that while the weather is improving, it’s still very much winter.

“To get warm and stuff like that, it takes a little bit,” Alesandro Comita, the second-year midfielder says. “We’re still enjoying it. We’re joking around and stuff like that. It’s a good vibe and we’re all feeling ready to go.”

When spring officially comes next week, the ‘Pack will be ready. WolfPack soccer is preparing to host a spring break camp from March 21 to 24 for athletes aged 10-to-18.

“The women’s team had a great year this year as well, so we’re doing that together — the spring break camp,” men’s soccer head coach John Antulov explains. “It brings both the male and female component in, bringing our players — getting them to know the kids in our community and just kind of give back a little bit.”

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These athletes look forward to an opportunity to connect with young soccer players and help grow the game.

“Just seeing the fun that they have and the pure joy when they step onto the field really humbles you and brings you back to those days of not stressing about the game,” Dylan Hooper, fourth-year forward tells CFJC Today. “It reminds you why you fell in love [with soccer], just having fun and being out there.”

“I know when I was a younger player, I used to look up to older players a ton,“ Allie Shiyuk, second-year defender for the ‘Pack tells CFJC Today. “I always wanted to play at the university level, so it was nice to see role models. Hopefully [I can] do the same and inspire some players to want to play at the next level”

“It’s just great to give back to the community that gave so much to us this season and all the way through,” Comita says.

Alongside that spring break camp, the women’s team will be holding an ID camp for prospective players. Head coach Mark Pennington hopes to add some more quality people to the program in order to build on his team’s Canada West Final Four finish from last season.

“If they’ve got that mindset that they want to develop, they get better, that’s one of the things we look for. It’s also, sometimes, one of the hardest things to see. That’s why these ID camps are helpful,” Pennington explains. “Obviously, we want players with technical ability and athleticism, but the character piece is a big piece for me.”

More information on the spring break camps and the women’s soccer ID camp can be found on the WolfPack website.