UPEI Women's Soccer secures two top PEI players, Younker and Balderston
University of Prince Edward Island women’s soccer coach Graeme McDonald announced today that two of PEI soccer’s top young provincial players have committed to play at UPEI.
Defender Danielle Younker graduated from Colonel Gray and belongs to the Charlottetown Royals FC. Midfielder Jennifer Balderston received her diploma from Bluefield and plays club soccer with the Ramblers Clippers United.
Coach McDonald commented, “I am delighted that both players are coming to UPEI. Jennifer is an intelligent player, has great technique, and strikes the ball very well which will add to our creativity and goal scoring.”
“Danielle has an excellent range of passing, is strong on and off the ball, and is very good in those one versus one situations.” He added, “It’s important that we continue to recruit the best players on PEI to keep our identity and also give our young players inspiration to wear the green and white Panther jersey".
Younker said, “As a young soccer player, I always looked up to the Panthers and now I'm excited that I get a chance to play with them."
Balderston agreed, “I've grown up watching the Panthers play and I'm really excited to finally get the chance to play with such a great group of girls."
Both Younker and Balderston have been accepted into the Bachelor of Science program.
Eight senior players are returning for this coming season including AUS first team all-star goal keeper Ashley McKenna and UPEI MVP Emilie Pelletier.
Training camp opens on Friday, August 29 from 9:30 - 11:00 am at the UPEI Turf Field. Anyone interested in trying out must complete all Student-Athlete Registration requirements. For more information contact Ron Annear at 902-566-0991 or annear@upei.ca.
The first exhibition action at home will be the Mulligan Cup next weekend, September 4–6, when both the UPEI Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams take to the pitch.
Season Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at Panther Central at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, by calling (902) 566-0368, or filling out the online form at gopanthersgo.ca.
About UPEI Athletics and Recreation
• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas
