AV俱乐部

It might still be seven months away, but Lauren Symes can鈥檛 wait to get started at AV俱乐部 Agricultural Campus.

The 17-year-old Bridgewater resident was recently announced as the newest addition to the Rams women鈥檚 soccer team and is coming to the campus in the Fall to enrol in its pre-veterinary program.

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited,鈥� Symes, who is set to graduate in June from Parkview Education Centre, said. 鈥淚鈥檒l get to expand my knowledge about animals and get more experience with them in order to better pursue my career. The campus really has a lot to offer.鈥�

Along with her work in the classroom, Symes will also be facing plenty on the pitch. The defender is joining a leaky Rams back end which surrendered a league-high 49 goals in just 12 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) matches last season. The Rams finished joint bottom of the seven-team conference with the Crandall Chargers with a 1-11 record after going all the way to the national championship tournament in 2017 and finishing atop the conference table at 8-1-3 (W-L-T).

However, Symes, coupled with fellow recent defensive addition and North River resident Baillie Lynds, should aid the situation. Symes brings a wealth of experience with 12 years of playing soccer under her belt with South Shore United, Thunder FC and several school sides. She鈥檚 also won provincial titles with both Thunder FC and South Shore and has been coaching for the past five seasons from the Under-4 to Under-13 Level. She hopes to put that resume to good use for the Rams.

鈥淚 feel like my leadership skills, dedication and hard work will be an asset to the team,鈥� Symes said.

Rams coach Jackie Ryan agreed and added she can鈥檛 wait to get Symes suited up in black, gold and white.

鈥淪he鈥檚 a very experienced player who I look forward to adding to our defensive line,鈥� Ryan said. 鈥淪he adds pace and communication and has a tremendous work ethic.鈥�

Symes should also be an asset to the campus. As a full international baccalaureate student, she is a high achiever in the classroom. Symes is also a contributor to her community, having been presented with Soccer Nova Scotia鈥檚 Community Player of the Year Award in 2017 for volunteer work in her hometown.

鈥淚 love getting involved in my community,鈥� she said. 鈥淭aking on a leadership role has also helped me empower other people and I like to be a role model for younger athletes within the community. So many people have helped me reach where I am today and I am very thankful to be able to give back to them and the community.鈥�