News release - Simcoe County Rovers FC
Simcoe County Rovers FC are proud to announce that five reserve players will be joining the First Team in 2023.
After a successful development period with the 2022 Reserve Team at the Barrie Soccer Club, Michelle Plowman, Salena Devellis, Avery Ward, Nathalie Hoppe and Sydney Attwell, will be a part of the Rovers First Team throughout the 2023 season.
All five players are Barrie residents having spent the majority, if not all, of their youth careers at Barrie Soccer Club.
Meet The Players!
Michelle Plowman (1994) – Rovers Reserve Team | Barrie SC
A physical force at the center back position, Michelle Plowman played for Barrie SC her entire youth career. Michelle received an NCAA scholarship to the University of Missouri Valley College, where she attended and graduated in 2016. Michelle was captain of the Rovers Reserve team in 2022 and was called upon by the first team last season for key matches. Michelle’s time with the Rovers First Team will bring great leadership, and organization to a side that is already very strong defensively.
Salena Devellis (2003) – Rovers Reserve Team | Barrie SC
A talented attacker with a high work rate, Salena Devellis played her entire youth career, starting age five (5), with Barrie SC and spent last season with the Rovers Reserves. She was a call up for the senior side in 2022. After helping Barrie SC win their first ever Provincial Championship, Salena became a member of the Carleton University Ravens in the OUA. Salena’s time with the Rovers First Team this season will see her bring grit, determination, and explosiveness to an already potent attack.
Avery Ward (2003)– Rovers Reserve Team | Barrie SC
Avery is a strong Centre Back that possesses a good combination of height, mobility, and technical ability. Avery’s youth career included time with Collingwood SC, and some key development under the leadership at the Barrie SC. Avery’s time with the First Team this season will bring quality and depth to an already strong backline. Avery is a Barrie SC product who was with the reserves last year. She also represents the Windsor University Lancers of the OUA.
Nathalie Hoppe (2003) – Rovers Reserve Team | Barrie SC
A central midfielder with excellent vision and creativity, Nathalie developed through the leadership of Barrie SC starting at the age of four (4). Nathalie spent last season with the Rovers Reserve Team and she is also an integral part of the Western Mustangs of the OUA. Nathalie’s time with the Rovers First Team in 2023 will allow the team to become even stronger in the middle of the pitch, both defensively and offensively.
Sydney Attwell (2004) – Rovers Reserve Team | Barrie SC
A strong and industrious attacker, Sydney started her youth career with Barrie SC, before spending some time in the OPDL. Sydney has spent the last 3 seasons with the Barrie SC and the Rovers Reserves in 2022. Sydney will spend time with the First Team in 2023, providing pace and creativity in wide areas. Like her teammate Salena, Sydney also plays for the Carleton University Ravens of the OUA.
Will Devellis, President of the Barrie Soccer Club, COO and Women’s Sporting Director of the Simcoe County Rovers, and Coach of the Rovers Women Reserves, believes that these young ladies are up for the challenge.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching these young women, since the age of 6 or 7 years old, and have seen them go on to play at a very high university level," said Devellis. "They are a testament to our goal of not only developing good soccer players, but also developing great people.”
“Their hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the game, and the community, on and off the field, is what makes them successful. Barrie SC, the community and the Simcoe County Rovers FC are proud of their accomplishments and we look forward to their continued success.”
Images supplied by the Simcoe County Rovers FC
