Future Olympian Graces Halls of St. Thomas Aquinas
February 23, 2016 - BARRIE, ON: Deanne Rose, a Grade 11 student at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, recently made the Canadian Women's National Soccer team. This past week, she travelled to Houston, Texas to compete in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association of Football (CONCACAF) - a qualifying tournament for the upcoming summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The team won their semi-final game, earning their tickets to the biggest sporting event in the world.
"Our school community is so proud of Deanne," said Annalisa Varano, Principal. "She isn't your average 16 year old high school student. It is not every day that a student has the opportunity to represent their country at the Olympic games and her success is even more incredible considering that she is the youngest member of a hugely successful Canadian women's soccer program. She is an excellent student who is maintaining her entire course load while training with the national team. Her family is so incredibly supportive, which I think has helped her achieve her dreams. "
In Canada's first game at the CONCACAF tournament, against Guyana, Deanne scored two goals which helped team Canada win 5-0. Then in the Olympic qualifying match against Costa Rica, Deanne scored one goal making the final score 3-1 for Canada and earning the ladies a place in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Deanne is a talented athlete who has played many different sports, but soccer is her passion. She has been playing since she was four years old. In an interview with the school's student journalist Deanne says, "my mom has always been there to encourage me - I practice three times a week, as well as the additional workout packages that Canada Soccer gives me to do."
The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro begin August 5, 2016.
-30-