You’re not seeing double.

One day after announcing the commitment of skilled winger Isaac Tate, the University of Northern British Columbia Men’s Soccer team is thrilled to welcome Isaac’s twin brother, Theo, for the 2023 Canada West season.

“I’m excited. I tore my ACL twice, so that was obviously a big setback. I was out for a year and a half, but this was my goal. So, I am pretty stoked.”

Tate tore his ACL in April of 2021, before suffering another ACL tear in November 2021. Two devastating injuries of that nature would be enough to forever sideline many young athletes. However, the Victoria product found inspiration in his brother, and focused on coming back better than ever.

“Before I got back to training, I was skeptical because it’s a long time off. But it really helped me to see how well my brother was doing. How much he was progressing. See him play so well motivated me, and when I got back, I realized I was pretty good at this thing. So, I thought I was going to make it to the next level.”

An incredible fast and shifty left back, Tate visited UNBC’s Prince George campus in January. On his visit, he was able to practice alongside the current Timberwolves, and be trained by 2022 U SPORTS Coach of the Year, Steve Simonson. The 17-year-old points to his experience on campus as critical in his decision to make the move to Prince George this summer.

“It’s been great. I love all the guys. Super nice, pretty funny. The campus is a lot nicer than I thought it would be. It’s super, super nice. I like the snow. I am a winter guy, so it’s not bad.”

Simonson became aware of Theo’s abilities over the past few years, and has charted his development with coach Ryan McCurdy and the Vancouver Island Wave program. Seeing his newest recruit in-person at the Northern Sport Centre made it clear to the UNBC bench boss that Tate projects to be an impact player at the Canada West level.

“I am very excited to have Theo join our program at UNBC. I was really impressed with him during his visit to the campus. He is an extremely well-rounded player with a great head on his shoulders and a special understanding of the game. He has all the abilities to be a great U SPORTS player and we are lucky to have him.”

At five-foot-eleven, Tate possesses a frame that will allow him to compete at the highest level of university sport, but it is his speed and anticipation that set him apart from many of the other left backs in Western Canada. Carrying himself with a veteran’s maturity, the Reynolds Secondary student gave a quick scouting report of what TWolves fans can expect from him over the next five years.

“I am fast and aggressive. I like to stay composed on the ball and I am a good passer. I try to take pride in my defense. I feel like a very complete player.”

Set to graduate from Reynolds in June, he will join his new TWolf teammates in Prince George for training camp in late July. He plans to enroll in UNBC’s psychology program, and continue a soccer journey that began when he was six years old, playing the game he loves.

“It’s a getaway sometimes. If I am under a lot of stress in school or in my life, I go to practice and it’s a guaranteed a good time. I like it.”