Nolan DeRosa.
Image Credit: TRU WolfPack Athletics
May 07, 2015 - 7:49 AM
KAMLOOPS - For the second time this recruiting season, Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer coach John Antulov has dipped into the Kootenays for a recruit.
Antulov and the WolfPack are happy to announce that Nolan DeRosa of Trail, B.C. (J. L. Crowe Secondary) has committed to the Thompson Rivers program effective Aug. 1. DeRosa is currently a member of the Kootenay Whitecaps Development program.
“We are very happy to have Nolan joining our program for the coming season,” says Antulov. “He is a central midfielder that is very versatile.”
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to play at such a high level in a great place like TRU,’ says the 5’6” Derosa, who will be taking courses with an eye to achieving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at TRU . “It will take a bit of time to adjust to the pace and physicality but I think it’s going to help me improve a lot over this year.”
Derosa attending the WolfPack’s player ID camp this spring.
“Coming from an isolated place where field access is a challenge, being able to play at Hillside Stadium for the ID camps and the upcoming season will be a real pleasure for me. It is an amazing facility with a great field to match it. The City of Kamloops is also really inviting and not too overwhelming. It is a nice transition for me.”
Derosa has worked for almost two years with Brett Adams.
“Nolan is a creative player who can dribble at defenders with pace and skill. He has one of the best attitudes that I have seen from a player. Nolan wants to continually improve. The type of player that is always self-improving on the pitch. Nolan has a fantastic fitness level and a desire to make an impact in the teams he plays for.”
Adams adds that Derosa has what it takes to be successful at the CIS level. “He is a great candidate for this opportunity. It is going to be a step up but one that Nolan will relish. He will be asked to up his game week in and week out. This opportunity will take him onto the next level.”
“He is good with the ball and doesn’t get rattled to easily,” Antulov said in his assessment of DeRosa. “He very much reminds me of a younger Austin Scheebeli (Salmon Arm) when he got here three years ago. It will take him time to adjust as he hasn’t played against these players on a consistent basis. I believe he has the ability and the work ethic to adjust quickly. Nolan will defiantly have to work and compete. My midfield group will be very strong for the upcoming season but I believe it will be great for him to learn from the players that are here. His game will grow immensely.”
DeRosa is looking forward to not only being a member of the WolfPack but also being involved with their community initiatives. “Being a role model for younger children is an exciting feeling,” he says. “All my life I have been the one looking up to older guys but now it’s my turn to set a good example and that is a responsibility that I take seriously. Having someone recognize me on the street as a member of the WolfPack would almost be overwhelming, but at the same time pretty special.”
DeRosa joins Mitchell Popadynetz (19, 5’10”, midfield-forward, Nelson/Maple Ridge Secondary-UBC) as the other announced committed recruits for WolfPack soccer for 2015-16 thus far.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015