Ladner soccer standout Katie Smillie will be continuing her career at UBC Okanagan this fall.
The Grade 12 Delta secondary student is part of the Heat's 2013 recruiting class that includes Surrey's Paige Moody and Kelowna's Haylee Lakovic.
Smillie has enjoyed plenty of success throughout her youth career as an elite level fullback.
She captained Coastal FC to a first place finish in the Super-Y League two years ago and, last season, helped South Fraser FC enjoy an unbeaten run to the championship in the B.C. Premier Soccer League.
"Katie is a workhorse and every time I have seen her play she has made an impact in the game," said UBC Okanagan head coach Claire Paterson.
"A tenacious defender with pace and an attacking mindset, she can cause problems for teams on both sides of the ball."
Smillie, who is also helping the Delta Pacers senior girls team enjoy an impressive season in the Fraser Valley South "AAA" League , says UBC Okanagan's eventual move to the CIS level influenced her decision.
"I chose UBC Okanagan because I believe that the program will help me develop to the best of my abilities as a player and student," she said.
"I am excited for the plans the women's soccer program has for moving forward into the future and can't wait to join the Heat in the fall."
Smilie won't have to look far to find a familiar face. Moody is her teammate on Coastal F.C.
