Recruit Highlight - Jaryn Stratychuk, Women's Soccer

Having multiple members from the same family compete for the Lakeland Rustlers is fast becoming tradition and women's soccer has joined the list.

Centre midfielder Jaryn Stratychuk from Cold Lake will compete for the team this fall, hoping to have an immediate impact on the roster. Stratychuk's sister Jordan played for the women's team from 2016-2018, winning futsal bronze in her rookie year. That history played a large factor in the decision to join the Rustlers.

"Watching her encouraged me to want to go play college ball and play here at Lakeland," Stratychuk said. "My mom, brother and her had all attended here at one point in time."

Stratychuk's sister played at the same time as new head coach Doyle Church was suiting up for the men's program. Church said he was excited when he found out they were siblings after seeing the last name and realizing that the age gap means Stratychuk has been playing competitively for longer than many other players.

"It's awesome to see she's been playing for such a long time and is already at a high level," he said.

Stratychuk said she's had to adjust to the college game, but has really enjoyed the process. The team's preseason has set a strong standard for what is required of each member.

"It's a lot faster and technique and relationships with the players has been big for me so far," Stratychuk said. "It's a lot more work and I'm excited about pushing myself throughout the season.

Church noted the rookie brings brings versatility to the squad, as well as competitive intensity.

"She can use both feet, which is a great skill and quite rare at a younger age," he said. "She's also physical and not scared to use it with her challenges and tackles."

While the team is without All-Star Kyla Franks this season, Stratychuk said they are expecting to push teams in the North Division with more depth and are encouraged by their showing in exhibition play.

"We are getting stronger each week and I definitely we have a chance to build and build and get to the playoffs."

Stratychuk is taking the University Transfer program for secondary education. She and the rest of the Rustlers will open their season Sept. 9 in Edmonton, when they face the NAIT Ooks.