With some strong ties to Kelowna, relocating to the Okanagan was a relatively easy decision for Jill Hunt.
The 5-foot-6 centre-back/midfielder from Seaquam Secondary in Delta has signed on with the UBC Okanagan heat women’s soccer team for the 2017 Canada West season.
Hunt’s parents both grew up in Kelowna and she has relatives throughout the valley.
She’ll also be living on the UBCO campus with one of her TSS FC teammates, Heat recruit Kacee Ougden.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here and to commit to UBCO feels right,” said Hunt. “I plan on living on campus along with my current teammate who is also a new recruit which will be very exciting.
“I couldn’t ask for a better school and knowing that I’ll also be part of the Heat soccer team is really exciting and I feel very fortunate for this opportunity.”
Hunt started her organized soccer career with SurDel Girls Soccer, where she played for the program’s U11 and U12 teams, the Metro girls side, and attended the USA Cup. She moved on to play her U13 to U15 seasons with Coastal FC of the BCPL.
She then joined Surrey United for her U16, and U17 seasons, and attended the 2015 nationals with the program’s U18 side. Jill spent the 2016-17 season with the TSS FC program in Richmond.
“I’m really excited that while attending UBCO I’ll get to represent my university as a member the soccer team. I’ve been training really hard to be prepared for this level of soccer, so I’m really looking forward to the start of the season,” said Hunt.
She also added that history with the coaching staff provided an added bonus in coming here. “I’ve had opportunities to be trained by Craig since I’ve been 11 years old, but I never dreamed I’d get to play for him at University. I couldn’t ask for better coaches and I can’t wait to meet the team.”
Head coach Craig Smith is pleased to sign the talented recruit and with her training and skill set prior to her arriving on the Okanagan campus. “Jill will be coming from a great club environment (TSS) that has aided in her strong technical ability with dynamic 1v1 skills and good passing range,” explained Smith.
Off the field, Hunt will be studying business and management starting this coming September.
Hunt’s teammate from TSS Kacee Ougden plays centre-mid while striker Mackenzie Pfoh is the third of the three CMF recruits.