When the scouts start hauling out superlatives like focused, fierce and a force to be reckoned with, it’s little wonder Cloverdale’s Megan Baird has already been snapped up by her future team.
Last week, Thompson Rivers University announced Baird is the first member signed to their 2013/14 women’s soccer team.
Due to graduate from Clayton Heights Secondary next June, will play centreback for the WolfPack next season in Kamloops, where she’ll be studying business administration.
“I can’t wait for the new experiences and people I’ll meet at TRU,” she said, adding she’s excited to join the defending two-time PACWEST champions.
Baird has played for both the Clayton Heights’ soccer team and the Surrey United Club, where coach Shana Bains describes her as a well-rounded player who’s in the top five best she’s coached.
“She is very hard-working and wants to see the result – whether it’s a goal or making sure it’s a good pass – successful.”
TRU head coach Tom McManus has watched Baird for the past year, and says she will be a strong addition to the team, two-time PACWEST champs.
“She is excellent in the air, very composed on the ball, [has] great first touch and distributes very well,” McManus said.
At TRU, Baird will be coached by Brendan Quarry, who calls her an athletic and fierce competitor whose defensive strengths make her a force to reckon with on the field.
“If I were a striker up against her, I would be very uneasy,” Quarry said. “She has an explosive pace and will slide tackle any opponent who gets a step on her.”
She’s currently with the TSS Academy U19 Elite team as part of the Metro Women’s Soccer League’s (women’s premier).