The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack have signed a second recruit for the 2018-19 season and again she is from Kamloops. Head coach Kelly Shantz and the WolfPack are pleased to announce that 5’5” defensive midfielder Avery Gilbert has committed to the program. Gilbert will graduate this June from Sa-Hali Secondary school and currently plays for the U-18 Kamloops Youth Soccer Association select team. She will be taking general science courses at Thompson Rivers. “I have heard nothing but good things from students at TRU who have taken their general sciences in their first year,” says Gilbert.” I love how I get to play soccer for my home town university, it’s like playing for team Canada in my mind. I’ve watched the team grow as it transitioned between coaches and welcomed new players each year. I’ve always wanted to play for a university team and I still remember trying to contact coaches at the age of 15.” Gilbert is looking forward to the first time she hits the field at Hillside Stadium in a WolfPack uniform.” Stepping onto the field will be such a positive change,” she says.” I’ll be playing with players who live for the game and who want it just as much as I do. It will be nerve-racking at first but I’m hoping I’ll adapt quite quickly. “ She played minor soccer with current TRU players Shae Fuoco, Emily Mann, Gwen Freeze and Georgia Aldus. KYSA Technical Director Ciaran McMahon has worked with Avery since he arrived in Kamloops in March of 2014. But he has been her head coach since August 2016. “Avery has as strong work ethic and a great desire to perform. She has a creative flair and a no nonsense attitude, she is resilient and willing to play any position required.” He adds, “Avery can quickly adapt to the level of play required to be successful at the USPORT level. Her athleticism, physical presence and mental toughness will see through a demanding USPORTS season. Her ability to distribute the ball and track down an opponent will help the WolfPack build and regain possession.” Longtime teacher and coach Mary Bartucci has worked with Gilbert in the past. “Avery has been a very strong player for our program the past four years. She has always played a key role for us at center mid. She is tenacious and strong on the ball. Avery has a great shot, one of the best we have. She has always had a great work ethic and holds herself and her teammates to high standards, always striving for more. She is a perfect fit for TRU and Kelly will love having her.” Says Shantz about his latest signing, “I have followed Avery with KYSA and Sa-Hali since Grade 10 with interest. I think she has a versatility that will add important depth to our roster. She has good speed, good aggression and does many things well with the ball and without. Add this to her great attitude for playing wherever needed and I think she will work her way into a home with the WolfPack. I am really glad to add her and have another local player in the mix.” Gilbert’s signing announcement follows the news that Ainsley Grether of NorKam Secondary has agreed to join the program. More WolfPack women’s soccer announcements will be coming in the next few weeks. THROW INS: McMahon has this anecdote about Gilbert, “Gilly (for Gilbert) is the standing cardboard boat racing champion of our U18 team (a teambuilding challenge we had at the beginning of our season). A true testament to her determination and desire to work for her cardboard boat building team, the boat was mostly (entirely) under water and she still managed to paddle it around the course to finish first, demonstrating her clear drive to win for herself and her teammates.” He adds, “On behalf of all the KYSA coaches who have worked with Avery over her 12 year youth career we are proud to see her take this next step and look forward to seeing her step out at Hillside Stadium in the WolfPack colours.”