KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's soccer team and head coach John Antulov are kicking off their 2024 recruiting class with the announcement that Kamloops product Lucas Rinaldi has committed to the 'Pack.
 
"Lucas is a good, young central midfielder with a good soccer I.Q. and the ability to make quality passes," said Antulov. "This is a nice opportunity for him to continue to grow and develop here."
 
A Kamloops local from Sa-Hali Secondary, Rinaldi is a familiar name to those in the Kamloops soccer scene. Lucas will join his older brother Jonathan (a fourth-year midfielder) when he joins the 'Pack.
 
"Growing up I've been able to see TRU play and always aspired to be at that level," said Rinaldi. "So having the opportunity to play here on the same team as my brother and be coached by someone who I've worked with for a long time, it was an easy decision and an opportunity I am very grateful for."
 
Antulov has played a part in Rinaldi's development throughout his youth career, having coached the 5'9" midfielder for years.
 
"It's nice to have these Kamloops guys being able to come in and have an impact on our program," said Antulov. "I've been coaching Lucas since he was eight, nine years old - so to be able to have these guys that I've been working with over the last ten years to want to come to the program and be a part of TRU is great."
 
Advancing through the local youth system to Thompson Okanagan FC and the Rivers FC 2, Rinaldi spent this past summer playing in both Sweden and Denmark.
 
"With Jonny being here, there's that familiarity for Lucas. He knows what the expectations are and what we are looking for," said Antulov. "Lucas knows what we're about here and what we want to do so it's just nice to have that familiarity and a kid that can play and make an impact on our program."
 
Planning to study business at TRU, Rinaldi – who describes himself as a technical, smart and hard-working player – will join the 'Pack in time for the 2024 regular season.
 
The winners of the 2022 U SPORTS National Championship, TRU has qualified for the CW playoffs for the past six-straight seasons.
 
Lucas Rinaldi
Midfielder
5'9"
Kamloops
TOFC/Rivers FC
Sahali Secondary