She's from Prince George. She has a special knack for scoring goals. She grew up in the Timberwolves program. And now, after dreaming of wearing green and gold, she is a UNBC TWolf. Today, the University of Northern British Columbia Women's Soccer team has made a splash, adding the ultra-talented Maria Sampson to the varsity program for the 2024 Canada West season, and beyond.
"It's really huge. I have dreamed about playing on the UNBC Women's team for quite a while. Since I was 12-year-old. I have always loved the sport. I am really passionate about it."
A member of the Timberwolves Academy for the past six years, Sampson has trained with and learned UNBC coaches Neil Sedgwick and Joanne Bray. She has been coached by members of the UNBC varsity program, and has even spent time as a ballgirl at Timberwolves games at Masich Place.
To graduate from the developmental pipeline and into the highest level of university sport in Canada is an opportunity the 17-year-old could not pass up.
"Neil (Sedgwick) and Jo (Bray) are really amazing coaches. Just really straightforward. Neil explains things well. I have looked up to the team ever since I started playing for the Timberwolves Junior Program. As a teammate, I looked up to the older girls that were on my team. They really pushed me to be the best I can in training and in games."
Sedgwick has had a front-row seat to his newest player's growth and skill development over the years, identifying Sampson as the type of player and person who could make an impact at the Canada West level.
The ball seems to follow Sampson around the pitch, and if she finds it in potential scoring locations, she often makes no mistake. The UNBC bench boss knows the striker possesses the mentality to be a tremendous Timberwolf.
"We are really excited to make it official and welcome Maria to our program. A hometown product that has continued to change her game over the years. Maria has come through our Timberwolves FC program and under the guidance of our assistant coach, Jo Bray, Maria has developed into a consistent performer. We love Maria's enthusiasm for the sport and for her growth. Having her full-time on campus and in training, she will be able to hone her football abilities while being part of a program that she has grown up watching."
The five-foot-four forward isn't the biggest player on the pitch, but she has tremendous skill and an innate ability to impact every game she plays. The recipient of junior and senior Athlete of the Year Awards at Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary, Sampson battles for every inch on the pitch.
On top of her soccer abilities, Sampson is the Zone MVP for basketball, and acknowledges that she hopes her drive will play a major factor in her adjusting to the university game,
"Scoring goals. I like scoring goals. It makes me feel like I have accomplished something for my team. I feel like I am always trying to give one hundred and ten percent on the field in games, and in practice. I am high-intensity, I am driven, and I am really motivated."
Sampson will graduate from STKR in June and enroll in general studies at UNBC. She will join her new, but familiar, teammates for training camp in July, and continue a soccer journey that started when she was seven years old.
"I am just going to think wow, this is really happening. I'll love having my friends and family at games, watching me play. They are really supportive."
