Weme set to play at next level

LANGLEY, British Columbia — Trinity Western University women’s soccer coach Graham Roxburgh added a key piece to the Spartans’ puzzle recently, as the five-time Canadian Interuniversity Sport national champion bench boss officially announced the addition of Sandpoint midfielder Emma Weme.

The 5-foot-7 midfielder, who led Sandpoint to a state championship as a senior, comes to TWU after an impressive senior campaign in which she earned a point on more than half of her team’s 45 goals, scoring eight and assisting on 16.

Featuring plenty of speed and creativity in the final third, Weme also brings a brisk work rate and pace to the field. Her new coach is excited to utilize her skill set.

“I have watched Emma develop a lot over the last 18 months and I feel she has the strength and athleticism to really pose an attacking threat,” Roxburgh said. “She is a versatile player who has shown a strong level of commitment to develop and succeed.”

Weme was named Most Valuable Player of the Inland Empire League last fall, and was a key factor in the epic state title win over Bishop Kelly, arguably the most dominating high school soccer team in the history of the state.

Sandpoint head coach Conor Baranski believes Weme has the athleticism and awareness to excel at the college level.

“She could be challenging to make an impact on that team right away, which is unusual for a freshman,” said Baranski, noting the British Columbia school had been courting Weme for a couple of years. “Her soccer IQ is pretty high, she understands the game really well.”

Her new coach echoed similar sentiments.

“She is a quality person who will add to a very good recruiting class and I am excited about the options she will give us on our roster,” said Roxburgh. “I think she has the potential to push for playing time this year because of her athleticism and work rate.”

Beyond her high school success, Weme has also put together a quality club career and this summer will get the chance to compete at the 2014 Welsh International Super Cup with SoCal Select FC. Weme will join Corinne Ariss for the international tournament coming up in the U.K.

Weme will follow in the footsteps of parents Garth and Cara Weme, who both graduated from TWU, and her uncle Paul Weme, who is currently the university’s vice president of development.

“Trinity Western provides multiple opportunities for me and my future,” said Weme, who plans to study business or human kinetics. “The campus and faculty offer various activities, including soccer, which will enrich my life, helping me to succeed.”