Sydney Ludwig is ready to seize the incredible soccer and scholastic opportunity that UNBC is about to provide.
Earlier today, UNBC Women’s Soccer head coach Neil Sedgwick announced the commitment of Kamloops winger Sydney Ludwig to the UNBC Women’s Soccer program for the 2024 season and beyond.
Ludwig, a graduate of South Kamloops Secondary School, has joined the Green and Gold after growing up playing in the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association.
Despite not having a ton of video footage, or steady footing in the club soccer system in B.C., coach Sedgwick saw something in Ludwig, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I think Neil is an incredible coach. I’m grateful to have had this opportunity in the first place and I’m forever grateful. I have a sense of pride being able to represent UNBC, especially at such a high level of sport.” reflected Ludwig who, along with the rest of her teammates are on the cusp of beginning the 2024 Canada West women’s soccer season. “It’s an incredible soccer opportunity, plus it’s a huge bonus that the degree I am majoring in, Psychology, is a Science rather than an art at UNBC.”
“Sydney has joined the Timberwolves this year and in the first few weeks has made massive progress,” added head coach Neil Sedgwick. “Sydney has a unique style to her game and it will be fun to watch her over the next few years as she brings her special qualities to our team intentions.”
Ludwig, an honour roll and President’s List student in high school, has transitioned well to the U SPORTS calibre of soccer and her new teammates have welcomed her with opens arms. “The girls are lovely and kind,” shared Ludwig. “It’s been easy to fit in with the group. Everybody has been inclusive and I’m really grateful. “Playing at this level isn’t easy. It takes a lot of commitment and hard work and so that’s been a learning curve.”
Ludwig is well aware that the road ahead will feature its share of challenges, but her self-awareness and positivity are evident. “It’ll be a challenge managing my mental health and keeping through,” concluded Ludwig. “Though the pressure is high and the level I’m playing at is intense. I need to work on managing my anxiety a lot better, so that’ll be a challenge to look forward to and a good life skill for me to learn.”
Ludwig and company are hard at work preparing themselves for their opening weekend of matches which will be taking place on the road this weekend. It begins Friday at MRU in Calgary before wrapping up on Sunday afternoon in Victoria.