Hultink finding her form
After leaving Niagara College in 2022 as the women’s soccer team’s all-time leading scorer, Terin Hultink decided to take a bit of a step back from the sport.
The 21-year-old Fenwick resident, who has since been surpassed by Sydney Sica as Niagara’s career scoring leader, played last season in the Ontario Women’s Soccer League.
“It was very chill. I just played in a summer league. I thought about playing League1 as well last year too but I was too busy with work and everything but this year I really wanted to give it a try.”
Since the St. Catharines Roma Wolves joined the League1 Ontario Women’s Premier Division last season, Hultink often thought about playing.
“It was the level of play. I have never been able to play in a league at this level and I have always felt that I probably could so I wanted to step into it a little bit.”
She has been playing striker on the team this season and is rounding into her past form.
“I think it is coming. I am not at my full potential yet. I took a year off soccer and I am still trying to find the stride that I was in at Niagara College. It feels pretty good and I am getting more comfortable each game but at first it was definitely an adjustment: A new team; a new level; different physical contact and pace; and, all that,” she said.
The biggest thing is getting back to the skill level she had before.
“My cardio was there because I work out a lot. It was getting my foot on the ball again and being sharp with it,” Hultink said. “I am hoping it’s not too long. I have been practising a lot at home and I am hoping tonight (Saturday) I can do something. I think by mid-season, I will finally get it but each game I am getting it a little bit more.”
She has already reached her initial goal for her first season with the Wolves.
“I was just trying to get myself in the starting lineup which I did. Now players are starting to come back that they had last year so it might change but I just have to keep working my butt off and see what happens. I am happy with the level of play.”
She hasn’t been surprised by anything so far.
“I heard about it last year and it is just exciting that we have this league now and I have the opportunity to play in it. It is great and I am loving it.”
She also loves soccer.
“It could have been basketball too because I love basketball but when I feel I am at my best, soccer is my sport.”
Hultink was also a member of Niagara’s women’s basketball team that won an Ontario Colleges Athletic Association bronze medal in 2022. She graduated as an educational assistant with special needs and did one year of recreational therapy. Hultink left school to work on her family’s farm and then started a therapeutic riding program, Selah Equestrian, for people with special needs. She also teaches riding lessons for everyone.
Wolves head coach Lucio Ianiero is glad Hultink, who got engaged Friday night, is on board for the Roma ride this summer.
“Terin has got a ton of potential. She is a great physical specimen and she looks like a footballer or volleyball player, or basketball player,” he said. “She has got a great attitude, is always willing to learn and she will do what you ask her to do. She has got a great open mind to try things that she may or may not have had the opportunity to do with other teams. I have already seen her progress quite well.”
Ianiero is looking forward to when Hultink is back in top form.
“She has shown very well in the games she has played for us already. After her being off for a while, her performing at the level she is performing at the last few games has me looking forward to her striving higher and higher.”
The Wolves were 0-3 heading into Saturday night’s home game but the record was a little deceiving.
“We had to play the two best teams right off the bat and they were really good. But we played pretty well,” Hultink said.
Prior to Saturday, the team had yet to score other than an own goal by one of its opponents.
“It sounds really bad but we have had a lot good successes in the game. It has been pretty good,” she said.
Ianiero agrees with that assessment.
“Ten and 15 minutes here and there they have been playing really well and there’s been a couple of mistakes that just break the camel’s back,” he said. “And fitness is one thing too. Once they get it they will be better.”
Saturday night against the Blue Devils FC from Oakville, the Wolves received goals from Hultink and Cassandra Campanella to record a 2-1 victory. The Wolves are at Tecumseh Soccer Club Saturday.
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