WOLFPACK WOMENS SOCCER SIGN KEEPER (McDonald)

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2009

Kamloops, BC—The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team have signed one of the top high school keepers in BC. Head coach Tom McManus is pleased to announce the acquisition of 18 year old Richelle McDonald of Cranbrook (Mount Baker Secondary).

“Im extremely happy,” says McManus “She’ll be our rock solid last player and will bring some leadership from the back. She is very athletic and commands her area and is very vocal. Richelle is strong on shot stopping and handles crosses very well.”

“I wanted to continue to play soccer after high school,” says McDonald, who has plans to eventually enter TRU’s Bachelor of Education program. “ I was here earlier this year with my high school team at a tournament. After speaking with Tom and finding out more about the team and their success, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.”

McDonald comes to the WolfPack program at a great time with BC College Athletic Association All-star Shannon Kelly (Kamloops, BC) graduating. “ I looked at the website and noticed she was graduating. And with the other keeper going into her fifth year, I knew this was the best opportunity for me.” She had turned down offers from both Langara and Douglas College to join TRU.

“I’m very aggressive,” says McDonald when asked if she thinks it’ll be a big adjustment moving to the college level. “ I know it’ll be challenging since I’ve been playing with the same group of girls (Rep, High School, BC Summer Games) since we were nine. It’ll be a good change.”

“She wants to be number one,” states McManus. “She has a great chance to do that if she comes in fit and prepared. Everyone needs a solid goal keeper and I see that in Richelle.”

McDonald will be in Kamloops in Mid August for the start of the WolfPack’s training camp. TRU finished second in the Canadian College Athletic Association Championships after capturing first place in the BC CAA Regular season in 2008.