The University of Northern British Columbia Women’s soccer team has bolstered its lineup for the upcoming year, officially announcing the commitment of talented midfielder Kaya Oror Martin for the 2019-2020 Canada West season.
“I am super excited to have officially committed to the Timberwolves and to be playing USPORTS soccer next year. I was looking for a small university that had an academic program that I was really interested in, so when I found UNBC, everything fit. It really had everything I was looking for, so I think it will be a good fit.”
The Victoria native, who will enroll in UNBC’s Environmental Engineering program this fall, visited the Prince George campus and cited her interactions with the Timberwolves as a major factor in her decision to commit.
“I came to visit last summer for the first time, and it was a really positive experience. Everyone on the team was so nice and welcoming, and only had good things to say about the program. That really helped me in my decision. The facilities were all beautiful, and of course, I really respect Neil as a coach. I really like the style the team plays and I think it will fit really well with me as a player.”
Timberwolves coach Neil Sedgwick identified Oro Martin as a youth player, suggesting she has long possessed the physical and mental traits to make her a contributor at the university level. His newest recruit, who he coached from her U13 to U16 years, is also a member of Vancouver Island FC of the Women’s Premier Soccer League. Sedgwick is a member of VIFC’s coaching staff, and is thrilled to add Kaya to the TWolves.
“I have known Kaya for a number of years. She has always been an individual that we could count on both on and off the field to learn, to give her best and support her teammates. Kaya’s strong desire to improve will contribute to her success at the next level.”
Standing five-foot-four, she uses her IQ and work rate to make an impact on the pitch. She hopes to use those attributes, as well as her keen eye for ball distribution, to her advantage with UNBC.
“On the field, I think my main strength is passing. I really like to read the game, and play ball into space to create new opportunities. I also like to dribble. I am not afraid to take people on and use my skills to advance the play.”
A graduate of Glenlyon Norfolk School, she and her teammates were 2018 ‘A” Provincial Champions. Oro Martin, who is a product of the Vancouver Island Wave, as well as Lakehill Women’s Premier, and the BC Soccer High Performance Program, understands there will be an adjustment period upon making the jump to Canada West soccer.
“I think the physicality of the game will be a big adjustment for me. Also, the volume of training will be a lot different than what I am doing now. But that is something I am really excited for. To be able to play soccer every day. It is going to be fun.”
The honour roll student will join her new Timberwolves teammates in Prince George for training camp in the first week of August. The TWolves season is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, September 5, at Masich Place.
“I am super excited to be a part of the growth of the Timberwolves program, and I hope to contribute in any way that I can. I know they have come a really long way in the past few years and I am really excited to be a part of that. Soccer has always been a big part of my life. It has always been something I love doing. I am really grateful that I am going to be able to continue doing what I love at UNBC.”
