Rookie defenders earn Canada West honours

The defender appeared in 15 games for UNBC, making 13 starts and logging 977 minutes. Beck also contributed offensively with two assists despite primarily being tasked with defensive responsibilities.

He says one of his biggest challenges was adjusting to the intensity and schedule of Canada West soccer.

“On the field, I would say the high intensity with two games per week because we don’t have that in Germany. Off the field, I would just say like adapting to a different language and a different culture.”

Beck says the experience he gained playing at a high level in Germany also helped him handle pressure during his first university season.

“I don’t really know where that comfort comes from. I think it’s just one trait I brought with me and, I think playing in Germany prepared me for it in terms of playing at a high level in Germany and also like handling pressure situations.”

Beck becomes the fourth player in UNBC men’s soccer history to earn Canada West All-Rookie honours, joining Jamie Wildash-Chan in 2025, Hagon Kim in 2022 and Reid Adams in 2019.

On the women’s side, Ramunno established herself as a constant presence on UNBC’s back line.

The Kamloops product played every minute of the Timberwolves’ 2026 Canada West campaign, finishing the season with 1,260 minutes on the field.

Ramunno says she began to recognize the coaching staff’s trust in her early in the season.

“I would say it happened after our first week. We had two very good games against TRU and I think then proved how strong we were in defense and how well me and Cambria work together back there.”

Making the jump to university soccer brought its own challenges. Ramunno says she had to adjust to a quicker and more intense level of play while developing other aspects of her game.

“I’d say that the biggest difference was just the intensity and speed of play. I think my game grew with aggression and my communication on the field. I think my team really helped me with that.”

Her selection also marks a milestone for the Timberwolves.

Ramunno is the first player in UNBC women’s soccer history to be named to the Canada West All-Rookie Team.

Both defenders now head into their next seasons having established significant roles during their first year with UNBC, with Beck looking to continue taking steps forward and Ramunno setting her sights on developing into more of a leadership role.

by Nick Dube

Rookie defenders earn Canada West honours

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