KAMLOOPS – After leading the program to the first U SPORTS National Championship in program history, Akwasi Agyekum set another benchmark for the Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's soccer program on Friday, April 14.
 
The defensive midfielder signed a CPL-U SPORTS Development Contract with Atlético Ottawa making him the first member of the 'Pack to sign with a Canadian Premier League club.

"I think it's a culmination of all the hard work that he's put in, he's a kid that eats, sleeps and lives football," said WolfPack head coach John Antulov. "To put all that time in and now reap the rewards with his first professional contract says a lot about him and I'm so happy for him."
 
Agyekum was selected by Ottawa with the eighth pick of the first round in the CPL-U SPORTS draft this past December. A product of Calgary, Agyekum then joined Atlético and earned his way onto the team after impressing throughout their pre-season schedule.
 
"My experience has helped develop me into a more mature player and has given me tools to my arsenal which I can hopefully use to my advantage," said Agyekum. "I work extremely hard off the ball and am not afraid to put in a tackle. On the ball, I like to try and drive forward on the dribble or connect and combine with my teammates."
 
Agyekum had a dream season with TRU in 2022. In just his second year at the Canada West level he shone throughout the regular season as TRU finished in second place in the ever-competitive Pacific Division with a record of 7-3-5.
 
At the U SPORTS National Championship hosted inside Hillside Stadium Agyekum played nearly every minute of the team's magical run to capturing the title on home turf. A force in the middle of the park, Agyekum was a large force for a WolfPack defence that surrendered just four goals over 360 minutes of open play.

At the conclusion of the tournament Agyekum was named the Championship MVP as well as to the tournament All-Star Team. Continuing to accumulate awards after the season, Agyekum earned the Sports Task Force Male Athlete of the Year at the annual WolfPack Awards Night.
 
Agyekum joins both Jackson Gardner and Daniel Sagno as members of the 'Pack that have signed professional contracts since their national championship campaign.
 
"It's massive for us as a program to have a player sign that first CPL – U SPORTS contract," said Antulov. "To add on what Daniel and Jackson have done in Australia is great as well. This shows these professional clubs that we have players that can play at this level and it shines a spotlight on our guys to give them an opportunity to showcase themselves."