April 17th, 2019...WELLAND,ONT.- The Niagara College Knights announced the signing of dual-sport athlete, Terin Hultink, to the women's basketball and soccer programs for the 2019-2020 season.
Hultink comes to Niagara as a graduate of Smithville Christian High School, where she excelled in both sports while maintaining a commitment to academics.
Both head coaches, Mike Beccaria of the women's basketball program and Rob Lalama of women's soccer, have had Hultink on their radar since her appearance at showcase tournaments in the Niagara region.
For Beccaria, Hultink caught his eye during the Niagara College High School Basketball Showcase in 2017. The annual showcase tournament, started in 2016 by Beccaria, features players from 22 different Niagara Regional schools. Impressed by her work ethic on the court, Beccaria kept tabs on the six foot versatile standout from Fenwick, Ont.
"Terin is capable of playing multiple positions on the basketball court" notes Beccaria. "She's very athletic and certainly will fit into the OCAA style of play. We expect her to play both forward and guard positions and contribute right away."
Hultink also participated in the Niagara Region High School Soccer Showcase two years ago, another Niagara College spearheaded project, developed by the men's soccer program in 2013. Although her team didn't get the win, Hultink took home MVP honours for team white. Hultink's efforts landed her high on Lalama's list as one of the region's best players.
"Terin has been a dominant high school player for a few years, thus very high on our radar" says Lalama. "She has skill, size, aggression and a high work rate. We're excited to have her join our program."
Hultink is also a member of the Hamilton Multi-Jurisdictional League with Club Roma, where she has been the top scorer for two consecutive seasons, leading her club to several league championships.
For Hultink, the choice to attend Niagara College was an obvious one after the warm welcome she received in her initial conversations with coaches and administrative staff.
"From the start everyone was welcoming" says Hultink. "I have been given nothing but help in planning future decisions from the staff at Niagara, and trust that this is the best school for me."
Describing herself as a team leader and motivator, Hultink says she's eager to hit the ground running in September.
"I want to make the most of my opportunities with both teams, not just by doing my own part, but encouraging my teammates as well" she says. "I never thought I would pursuing college sports but I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity."
Hultink is enrolled in the Educational Assistant with Special Needs Support program for Fall 2019.
