KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's soccer team and head coach John Antulov have gone abroad for their most recent recruit, with the announcement that product of Australia Lewis Crompton has committed to the team for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

"I think that TRU is somewhere that I can continue to develop as a player and a person and that is very exciting to me," said Crompton.
 
Antulov sees Crompton as a good fit in a vital position for the 'Pack.
 
"Lewis is the prototypical, big centre back," said Antulov. "He's a really strong defender, good in the air and on the ground but is also a guy that can build out of the back. He's the type of player that I was looking for to fill some of our holes this year and I think he has the ability to be that really strong presence at the back."
 
Playing soccer since the age of two, Crompton has been able to rise through the ranks with his hometown club, playing with Northcote City FC from the U11 team all the way to the senior squad.

"He's got some experience playing at different levels," said Antulov. "He's a guy that is looking for an opportunity here in Canada and I think he'll be a really good fit in our program."
 
The long journey from his hometown to Melbourne all the way to Kamloops is not an obstacle for Crompton.
 
"I have moved a bit from Australia to England in the last few years, so I am not worried about being in another country," said Crompton. "That said I am very excited to be able to hopefully have a positive impact with the team."
 
With the 'Pack, Crompton has the chance to add his name to a long list of standout international players, including fellow defenders Jan Pirretas Glasmacher (Barcelona, Spain) and Josh Banton (London, UK) who helped TRU capture the 2022 U SPORTS Men's Soccer National Championship on home soil.
 
"We've had really good success over the years with international players and I think Lewis will just continue to add to that," said Antulov. "He's got a really good pedigree and can add some needed experience and toughness to our squad."
 
Playing an important role in Crompton making the decision to come to the TRU was Rebirth Soccer, who helps connect players from abroad with university coaches in North America.
 
"The continued partnership with Rebirth connecting us with good quality players just adds to the success of our program," said Antulov.
 
An honour roll student and athletic MVP during his time at Trinity Grammar School, Crompton plans on studying biology at TRU.

Name – Lewis Crompton
Position – Centre Back
Hometown – Melbourne, AUS
Last Team – Northcote City FC
High School – Trinity Grammar School