Prince George, B.C. – The UNBC Timberwolves backline is getting another impact player. Head coach Neil Sedgwick announced today that 5'9" fullback Emma Ristau (Chilliwack, B.C.) has committed to UNBC for the 2026 Canada West season and beyond.

Ristau, a soon-to-be grad of GW Graham Secondary, played last season at the club level with Coastal FC and for the GW Graham Grizzlies at the high school level. Ristau helped the Grizzlies to a Silver Medal at the B.C. High School provincials and her Coastal FC squad captured Team of the Year honours earlier this year. 

Academically Ristau was an honours student. She's planning to pursue Biomedical Studies at UNBC with the goal of one day becoming an anesthesiologist.
Ristau visited UNBC in November of 2025 and was immediately impressed.

"I really loved the team environment at UNBC, in my short time I got to know some incredibly amazing people and am looking forward to getting to know the team better," remarked the newest Timberwolf who carries an offensive mindset, even from the backline. "I also loved what UNBC offered academically for me, an amazing program with smaller class sizes opening up doors for more feedback and support."

On the field, it's safe to say that coach Sedgwick and her future teammates made a solid first impression.

She added, I was most impressed by  Neil's positive attitude and dedication to developing his players. My future teammates demonstrated a team first mindset and are so supportive and I cannot wait to play with them."

"It's been great getting to know Emma, and it's clear she will be a strong addition to our team culture. She has a strong appetite to learn and a clear desire to improve. Over her final year of high school, I've seen real growth in her game, which speaks to how she approaches her development," added Neil Sedgwick. "We're excited that she's becoming a Timberwolf and look forward to supporting her development throughout her career.

As the fall approaches, Ristau is gearing up for the heightened speed and physicality of the Canada West conference. Her obvious for the game will no doubt serve her well in the months and years to come.

"My love of soccer is deeply connected to my sense of self and the values I carry with me, discipline, drive, adventure, and connection," she concluded. "The relationships I have built along the way, with coaches, teammates, and others who have been part of my journey, mean everything to me. There is something incredibly special about working together toward a shared goal. It is both a privilege and a joy to be part of a team environment where trust, effort, and collective purpose matter.

UNBC Athletics is proud to welcome Emma Ristau to the UNBC Timberwolves family.