KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's soccer team continues to bolster its attacking potential ahead of the 2024-25 campaign with the addition of Mel Nelissen.
 
A midfielder from Maastricht, Netherlands, Nelissen has spent the last seven years playing in the academy of MVV Mastricht where he has been the captain of both the U16 and U18 teams.
 
"Mel is another really good attacking piece that we've brought into the program, he's been playing at a really high level in Holland," said WolfPack head coach John Antulov. "He's a good attacking player that can play multiple positions, he really gives us that versatility. He's a player that really likes to attack and go at defenders so I'm looking forward to him coming in with the pieces that we already have here."
 
Playing soccer since the age of six, Nelissen has also suited up for RKHSV Heugem, Roda JC and VV Scharn throughout his youth career. While with VV Scharn, Nelissen helped the team to a pair of league championships.

"My strengths are my insight and my tactical awareness," said Nelissen. "I am a box-to-box player, am both right and left legged, have good kicking technique in both short and long passing. I have good fitness and stamina. During matches I put in a lot of miles and am always on the move."
 
For Nelissen, the decision to join TRU was an easy one.
 
"There was actually a great contact right away, in which a lot of trust was expressed in me. This combined with the vision, goals, enthusiasm and of course a great environment made me decide to choose TRU, without even waiting for other offers. The feeling was just right."

Currently studying at Porta Mosana College in his hometown of Maastricht, Nelissen plans on studying business administration at TRU.
 
"It's huge for us, the level of player that we are bringing in is going to give us the opportunity to continue to go up against the bigger schools," said Antulov. "To get guys that have been in high-level academies is great and to bring in guys with this level of talent says a lot about what we've able to do for the last six or seven years and hopefully we can just continue on that track."
 
Name – Mel Nelissen
Position - Midfield
Height - 6'1
Hometown – Maastricht, NLD
Last Team – MVV Maastricht