ANTIGONISH, NS - Rebecca Lambke epitomizes – in each and every way – what’s special about the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club and its players.
The 17-year-old was the recipient of the prestigious Celtic Cup during the traditional year-end banquet for competitive teams, which took place Sept. 18 at Saint Andrew Junior School.
The award honours a player for their ‘desire to play, the dedication to the game, the willingness to learn and the ability to have fun.’
“Every time I step on the field, everything else goes away, and I can just focus on [soccer],” Rebecca said, when asked about her love for the game.
“And there is always something new to learn, and I just love that about it.”
Rebecca started playing with the Timbits youth program. This summer, she suited up with the Celtics’ U-21 women, earning most valuable player honours for the team.
“We were able to go out on the field, have fun with each other and really connect,” she said.
Her season included a position change – from centre back to holding midfield.
“I think I am able to see the field pretty well,” Rebecca said of her strongest attributes.
“There is still, definitely, more to work on.”
Her Celtic season may have ended, but Rebecca continues to be on the pitch. The Grade 12 student is a member of the Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional Royals high school squad.
“I am going to work hard and try to play in university,” she said of her future goals in the sport.
Her coach described Rebecca as “awesome.”
“Not just as a player, but also as a person – a leader,” Bernard Hanifen said.
“She loves the game and she loves to learn – that’s probably my favourite part about her; she has fun and she loves to play. She is really skilled but she is never quite satisfied.
“She is happy with where she has been, but she just, always, wants to get better. She really focuses on the little things,” he added.
