The University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer program added eight more local players for the fall, including goalkeeper and Robert Bateman Secondary student Brooklyn Ivey.
The 5’10” Ivey has been a Team B.C. fixture from the U13 level to the present. On the club scene, she was part of the Fraser Valley Premier squad, which went to the British Columbia Soccer Premier League finals in 2014 and 2016 before moving over to Surrey United for its run to the provincial crown this past season.
“Brooklyn has potential to be a fantastic goalkeeper for our program,” Giesbrecht said. “She possesses the physical qualities to succeed at this level. She’s had a very good youth career, and she has the potential to be a fantastic keeper for us.”
“I’ve been really close to UFV from the beginning,” Ivey said. “Rob has always been at our practices since we were young, and I’ve known him for a long time. The soccer program is good, and I’m going into criminology, which is also a very good program. I’m really excited to start here at UFV with my friends.”
Ivey is the second Abbotsford talent signed by the club, as the team previously added Abbotsford Senior student Bryana Buttar back in September.
Also announced to join the team with Ivey include defenders Alanna Sydenham, Jenna Mele and Calista Ballantine, goalkeeper Kareena Sahota, and midfielders Emily White, Halle McCambley and Jessica Fennell.
Giesbrecht said it’s a deep class and noted that all the players are from the Fraser Valley, with Surrey, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Langley, Coquitlam and Chilliwack all represented.
“We’re thrilled with this class,” UFV head coach Rob Giesbrecht enthused. “The quantity and the quality of this class is impressive. We’ve brought a few players in who I think are going to contribute immediately, as well as some players who might take a bit of seasoning but down the road can all be exceptional U Sports soccer players.
“Having depth in Canada West women’s soccer is so important because of the competitive nature of the league.”