One thing is apparent with the 2019-20  edition of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women's soccer program, they won't be doing much sitting around.

The WolfPack open their training camp this afternoon on the Warner Rentals field at Hillside Stadium with fitness testing followed by a training session/scrimmage.
This is the first training camp for returning players under the direction of their team's new head coach: Mark Pennington.   The native of Durham City, England was hired to take over the program February 12^th.

"It is really an exciting time," says the former UBC and Trinity Western assistant coach. " I have put a lot of work in over the last few months getting things ready, bringing the staff together. We are all ready to go.   I have been in contact with the players since they've been away.They have been doing their fitness work and hopefully they are excited to come in and are looking forward to it."
Pennington says his type of training camp has a lot of moving parts. " We have a host of training sessions (16), eight matches and about 15 team events—which helps grow the team's culture and bonding. They have eight to 10 gym sessions.  We do have some recovery sessions as well. There will be meetings and some team events-obviously some field sessions where we will be focusing in on our opponents."

He says his type of training camp is a hybrid of what he has learned from coaches he's worked with both in Canada West and overseas.   " One of the biggest things I gained from meeting the players last spring was how they crave information and being organized. They want their specific roles from a shape and individual technique perspective."

Pennington stresses that even though the squad has a lot of returning players from the squad which went 3-9-2 in Canada West play last season that every position is up for grabs. " Obviously some players have more experience and a pedigree to them. Even if you are player coming in and haven't played a minute yet, to me there is a clean slate for everyone. If you came in fit, prepared, bought into the program and are eager to play there is no reason why you can't win a starting position.  And at the other end, and I believe this won't be the case but if you come in here and its not 'the right fit' for you then we will find a different solution. Every spot for me is open for any player who wants to step up and make it theirs."

Pennington has brought an entirely new assistant coaching staff in with him to start the season.   Kamloops Youth Soccer Association staff head coach Mark Bell will be his primary assistant.  The two have worked together in various programs on the Lower Mainland.  Both men, along with KYSA Technical Director Ciaran McGowan took their CSA  "B" level coaching certification together.    Longtime Kamloops Youth Soccer and high school coach Allen Mostyk has joined the coaching staff.  Mostyk has over 25 years of experience and has a National "B" License. The other two assistants are two of the top players ever to wear a women's soccer uniform at Thompson Rivers—Alanna Bekkering and Bronwyn Crawford. Both were Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadians.  Bekkering spent two seasons as an assistant to former head man Kelly Shantz. She is returning after having a baby boy last year.

"I think having strong female voices is very important when you are coaching girls," Pennington explains. "Both Bronwyn (as a former captain) and Alanna have the experience and the talent
On paper, the WolfPack will have three fifth year players.  Natalie Verdiel (Powell River, BC) and Marisa Mendonca (Penticton, BC) were team co captains the past two seasons. The other fifth year player is forward/midfielder Taylor Miller (Kamloops, BC).  Miller is returning to the sport after a couple of years off but has the offensive and leadership skills to be a major contributor.

Among the exhibition tilts the Pack will play will be three matches in Regina, Saskatchewan August 22-24^th.  Their opponents will be The University of Saskatchewan Huskies., the University of Winnipeg  Wesmen and the host University of Regina Cougars.

Their first preseason tilt will be Thursday (Aug 8) on the Warner Rentals Field at Hillside Stadium when they play the Capilano University Blues of North Vancouver, BC (PACWEST).
Thompson Rivers opens their 2019-20 Canada West regular season on the road Thursday September 5^th in Prince George, BC against the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. Two nights later they are in Calgary to meet the University of Calgary Dinos. The home opener for the Pack will be Friday September 14^th at Hillside when the opponents will be the MacEwan University Griffins of Edmonton, Alberta.

"The schedule is always a tricky one," Pennington says. " I might be a little biased but I think the Canada West Pacific Division is the toughest in the nation. We have a hefty schedule. That first weekend going to Prince George and then flying to Calgary will take its toll on the athletes.  We have to make the best of it. We could look at the long bus ride as a daunting task but we will do some team building on the bus and grow the culture. The schedule is a schedule."

The WolfPack have four home matches at 5:30 pm for the first time in their Canada West history.  Pennington says that will be exciting.  " I have been pushing for the late games on Fridays and Saturdays. It will help bring more fans to the games.  I want to have Hillside filled pushing the team on. "


RECRUITS FOR 2019-20 CANADA WEST WOMEN'S SOCCER SEASON;

Mae Hobenshield (5'8" keeper, Port Coquitlam, BC-BC Christian Academy/TSS Black-Grey), Rylee Mugridge (5'6", midfield, Maple Ridge, BC-Thomas Haney Secondary/Surrey United), Daniella Falsetta (5'2", midfield, Kamloops, BC-South Kamloops Secondary/TOFC), Solaine Saskamoose (5'5", forward, Burnaby, BC-Burnaby North Secondary/Coquitlam Metro Ford), Taylor Miller (5'9", forward/midfielder, Kamloops, BC-Westsyde Secondary/Thompson Rivers University/PACWEST-Canada West)

RETURNING VETS FOR 2019-20 CANADA WEST WOMEN'S SOCCER SEASON:

Natalie Verdiel (5^th year, defender, Powell River, BC), Marisa Mendonca (5^th year, midfield, Penticton, BC), Cassie Morris (4^th year, defender, Kamloops, BC), Robin Price (4^th year, defender, Smithers, BC), Danielle Robertson (3^rd year, keeper, Courtenay, BC), Shae Fuoco (3^rd year, forward, Kamloops, BC), Gwen Freeze (3^rd year, defender, Kamloops, BC), Julia Ellis (3^rd year, forward, Coquitlam, BC), Emily Mann (3^rd year, midfield, Kamloops, BC), Jollee Perrier (3^rd year, forward, Penticton, BC), Georgia Aldus (3^rd year, defender Kamloops, BC), Rylee Singleterry (3^rd year, defender, Surrey, BC), Camryn Curts (3^rd year, midfielder, Courtenay, BC), Julia Burkart (2^nd year, defender, Nelson, BC), Ainsley Grether (2^nd year, midfielder, Kamloops, BC) , Marissa Young (2^nd year, keeper, Calgary, AB), Chantal Gammie (2^nd year, forward, Smithers, BC), Samantha Schulte (2^nd year, defender, Osoyoos, BC).