The University of Northern British Columbia Men’s Soccer team has added a major dose of speed and skill to its wings, officially announcing the commitment of supremely talented Isaac Tate for the 2023 Canada West season, and beyond.

“It means a lot. My whole life, I have dreamed of playing soccer at the highest level I can. This is it.”

Tate visited UNBC’s Prince George campus in January, where he was able to train alongside the current TWolves roster, tour the facilities, and learn from reigning U SPORTS Coach of the Year, Steve Simonson.

“Obviously it was a great experience. I love Steve as a coach. He is a really good guy and I like the way he coaches. All the guys are great.”

The Victoria product plays the game with tremendous pace and a great ability to anticipate the flow of play, changing direction and putting defenders on their heels with his aggressive actions. Simonson knows his new addition has the potential to impact games at the highest level of university sport in the country.

“Isaac is a great addition to our program. He truly is an ever-present threat down the left side and we feel he really fits our philosophy in our attacking play. He has a real appetite to continue to grow and develop, and we look forward to seeing him transition into our squad. Today is a good day for UNBC Men’s Soccer.”

Tate plays his club soccer with the Vancouver Island Wave program under coach Ryan McCurdy, and trains with the Centre of Soccer Excellence in Victoria. The Timberwolves roster has no shortage of talented players who hail from Vancouver Island; their experiences and advice proved to be helpful to Tate as he decided to make the Timberwolves the next step on his journey.

“I have talked to a lot of the players who have been through the CSE, which is the school program I am at, and my club program Wave. I knew Charlie Stewart and Max Muellerleile, as well.”

The 17-year-old stands five-foot-eleven, possessing a long enough frame to trouble Canada West defenders of all sizes. That, combined with his pacey style and love for the game, add up to a potent combination that projects well for Tate’s chances of becoming an impact player in the green and gold.

“I am a fast winger. Left-footed. Skillful. I love the fast pace and the intensity of the game. And the teamwork too, making a lot of friends along the way.”

Tate will graduate from Reynolds Secondary in June and join his new teammates for camp in late July. He is set to enroll in UNBC’s psychology program, and is already anticipating putting on a UNBC jersey and continuing a soccer path that began when started playing the game when he was five years old.

“It would mean a lot. My parents and my grandpa love my soccer journey a lot. It would mean the world to them to see me play at the university level.”