ST. PAUL - She's been kicking a soccer ball around since she was just three years old, and St. Paul's Sydni Fedoruk isn't going to stop anytime soon.
The multi-sport athlete, who excels in other sports such as volleyball, basketball and badminton, will be lacing up her cleats to become part of the NAIT Ooks, in Edmonton, as she pursues her post-secondary education.
"I knew I wanted to continue playing sports in post secondary when I saw my older brother playing college soccer," says Fedoruk. Her older brother, Brandon, played soccer in Red Deer Polytechnic after his high school graduation.
Fedoruk took the initiative to reach out to the coach at NAIT, "and he came and watched me playing in the city and we set things up from there."
While at NAIT, Fedoruk will be taking the Personal Fitness Training program.
Looking back, Fedoruk is thankful she was able to play soccer in St. Paul with her friends throughout her life. The experience built a love for the sport among the group of young athletes.
During the past Tier IV season, Fedoruk found herself making trips to Vermilion to play as a Striker due to not enough girls registering to play at the U19 level.
"I had a great time. The girls were great and my coach was very supportive and understanding with my busy schedule," says Fedoruk, as she looks back on her last season playing minor soccer.
When asked what her best memory was playing soccer as a youth, Fedoruk recalls a tournament that many youth across the province look forward to every season - the Camrose Night Classic Tournament.
The tournament often results in success for whichever team Fedoruk was playing on. She recalls winning three times and bringing home a medal every other year.
Looking ahead, Fedoruk will concentrate on getting ready for her first season playing with the Ooks.
"I have a program to follow to get ready for season and I’ve been training on my own in the yard as well when I can. Our preseason begins the Aug. 8, and our actual season starts Sept. 5."
Asked if there is anyone specific who inspired her to continue playing the sport she loves, she points to her siblings and parents, reaffirming that he oldest brother, Brandon, encouraged her throughout the years, especially.
"I’m super excited to start the season the be a part of the Ooks and the whole experience of colleges sports."