Ashley Volk transfers from NCAA to UNBC soccer

The University of Northern British Columbia’s Women’s soccer program has looked south of the border to bolster its roster, announcing the transfer of NCAA veteran Ashley Volk for the 2017-2018 season.
Volk, who played the 2016-2017 season with McKendree University in Illinois, trained with Timberwolves coach Neil Sedgwick as a youth athlete. She points to that familiarity as a major factor in her decision to transfer.

“One of the major attractions to UNBC is that it is the number one school in Canada. I have known Neil a long time and know the soccer environment I’ll be in,” she said. “I will develop not only as a soccer player, but as a person.”

A 2016 graduate of Pacific Christian Secondary School in Victoria, Volk played with the Vancouver Island Wave of the BC Soccer Premier League. Sedgwick expects the fullback to be a substantial contributor to the Timberwolves.

“We are very excited to add Ashley to our program. She is technically sound, and has a strong understanding of how we want the game to be played,” he said. “I have seen her progress into a player who is seasoned, mature, and wants the very best for her team.”

At McKendree, Volk enjoyed a 17-5-1 season that saw the Bearcats crowned as champions of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. She points to her time south of the border as critical in her understanding of the game.

“Playing in the NCAA allowed me to play a variety of teams. Fortunately, we had a lot of success which allowed us to play teams from all over the country with different systems of play,” she said. “Coming into the U Sports league, I think the pace and physicality from the NCAA will help me adapt. I look forward to the opportunity.”

Volk started 13 games in her freshman campaign, and hopes her familiarity with Sedgwick will allow her to contribute immediately to the Timberwolves program.

“I’ve played under Neil for years. I have adapted to his system of play, which I feel confident in. I am a technically-based player, and I enjoy getting forward, whether it be from the middle of the park or as a fullback.”
With plans to focus on chemistry at UNBC, Volk is ready for the academic and athletic year to begin. Coach Sedgwick points to her transfer as a significant step forward for the Timberwolves.

“Ashley is a tremendous addition to our team. Her year in the NCAA helped her gather a great deal of experience. It comes on the heels of a number of years playing at the highest level in British Columbia.”