Head coach Rob Krepps has added to his varsity roster for the 2022/23 season, adding a trio of recruits to the Pandas roster.

Rachel Jacques, Gracelyn Richards and Amy Wheatcroft will join the Pandas Junior roster this September. 

The trio of new Pandas all bring a wealth of curling experience to the University of Alberta, which include Alberta Winter Games championships, and both Alberta and B.C. Provincial Junior Championship appearances. 
 

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Name: Rachael Jacques
Position: Third
Faculty: Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Career Highlights: 
2020 Alberta Winter Games - Gold Medalist (Skip)
2020-2021, 2021-2022 Alberta Junior Curling Tour - U18 Points Leader (Third)
2022 Alberta U18 Championship - Gold Medalist (Third)
2022 Canadian U18 Championship - April 2022 (Third)
 
Why did you choose to come to the University of Alberta, and join the Bears & Pandas Curling program?
RJ: I decided to come to the University of Alberta because I believe it offered me the greatest education and curling program I could ask for, while also being close to home. I have seen great success come out of the Bears and Pandas program so I knew that joining would give me the best chance at becoming a successful curler in the years to come.

What are you hoping to accomplish competing at the University of Alberta? 
RJ: At the University of Alberta, I hope to accomplish winning the U18 and U21 Provincial and National Championships with my team.

What is your primary curling position? 
RJ: I started out as a skip for my first competitive years of curling, but over time I learned that my skills were best useful at the third position.

Do you have a favourite memory from your curling career? 
RJ: My favourite memory from my curling career is winning the U18 provincial title this year, and representing Alberta at the 2022 U18 National Championships.

What faculty are you joining? What are some of your career goals?
RJ: Next year, I will be joining the faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation with a major in sports performance. My main career goal is to become a physiotherapist or a chiropractor.

Outside of curling, what's something you're passionate about and why?
RJ: Outside of curling, I enjoy playing rugby and ultimate frisbee, but I am most passionate about snowboarding because it is a sport that can be both relaxing and exciting, and it helps me calm my mind.


 

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Name: Gracelyn Richards
Position: Skip
Faculty: Business
Hometown: Courtney, BC
Career Highlights: 
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 BC U18 Championships - Participant (Skip)
2018 BC Canada Winter Games Trials - Gold Medalist (Skip)
2019 Canada Winter Games - Participant (Skip)
2020 BC U20 Championship - Participant (Skip)
2021 BC Junior Curling Tour - Points Leader (Skip)
2022 BC U18 Championship - Gold Medalist (Skip)
2022 Canadian U18 Championship - April 2022 (Skip)

Why did you choose to come to the University of Alberta, and join the Bears & Pandas Curling program?
GR: My choice to attend the University of Alberta was based on its educational programs, my love of curling, and the training program offered. The success of the past curling teams demonstrates the prestigious curling program that the university offers. To experience this level of training and competition would be invaluable to my curling career. I am looking forward to being able to represent the University of Alberta for many years to come.

I am currently registered in the business program, and I feel so fortunate to be able to attend a university that offers such a highly regarded program, while being able to train and compete in the sport I love.

What are you hoping to accomplish competing at the University of Alberta? 
GR: Throughout my upcoming years at the University of Alberta, I hope to win the U18 and U21 Provincial Championships. I also hope to win a U SPORTS National Championship. 

What is your primary curling position? 
GR: I have been the a skip my whole curling career. I started skipping competitively at 11 years of age but have been skipping junior bonspiels since the age of 7. I love the strategy and challenges that this position entails. I look forward to furthering my knowledge and level of play while training with the Pandas Program.

Do you have a favourite memory from your curling career? 
GR: My favourite curling memory is from this past January at the 2022 BC U18 Provincials. It was the semifinal, and a hard-fought game that came down to the last shot. It is my favourite curling memory because it was such a rewarding moment that we had earned as a team through hard work and perseverance. It led to accomplishing a goal that I had set for myself for many years, winning the BC U18 Provincials.

What faculty are you joining? What are some of your career goals?
GR: My interests have led me to register with the Alberta School of Business, with a major in Business Studies. I have chosen this educational path as it offers me a variety of opportunities to pursue as a career once I graduate.

Outside of curling, what's something you're passionate about and why?
GR: Outside of curling, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Although curling is my main sport, my favourite off-season sport is wake surfing on Sproat Lake in Port Alberni.


 

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Name: Amy Wheatcroft
Position: Second
Faculty: Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation
Hometown: Langley, BC
Career Highlights: 
2020 BC Winter Games - Bronze Medalist (Third)
2020-2021 - BC Junior Curling Tour - U18 Points Leader (Third)
2022 BC U18 Championship - Bronze Medalist (Third)
Mother is Georgina Wheatcroft (Two-time Scotties and World Champion, 2002 Olympic Bronze Medalist)

Why did you choose to come to the University of Alberta, and join the Bears & Pandas Curling program?
AW: I decided to go to the University of Alberta after going to the Kevin Martin camp. I got a taste of what the program entails and really loved it! I also want to be a professional curler and play on the biggest stages.

What are you hoping to accomplish competing at the University of Alberta? 
AW: I hope to become a better athlete and person all around. I'm excited to become a better curler, and plan to do my best to win with my new teammates!

What is your primary curling position? 
AW: In the past I have played mostly backend with a lot of third. I am extremely excited to be second for the Pandas Juniors team because I will get to become a super sweeper.

Do you have a favourite memory from your curling career? 
AW: Some of my favorite memories from curling are traveling to events with my teammates and playing in the BC winter games.

What faculty are you joining? What are some of your career goals?
AW: I am joining the faculty of Kinesiology in hopes of pursuing a career in the sporting world.

Outside of curling, what's something you're passionate about and why?
AW: Outside of curling I love spending time with friends and watching movies. I'm also a huge foodie and love trying foods from all different cultures!