SARNIA – A two-for-one commitment special.

Tahlia Kelch has officially announced her commitment to both the Lambton Varsity Badminton and the Lambton Women’s Soccer Programs for the 2024-25 season, and beyond.

Kelch is the first commitment in the 2024 recruiting class for co-Head Coaches Rick Brown and Shashank Naik for the Lambton Badminton Program.

For the Women’s Soccer Program, Kelch is the second commitment in the 2024 recruiting class for Head Coach Kevin Simmonds and the rest of his staff. Kelch joins striker Tori Johnston (Sarnia, Ont.) as a new commit to the program for the upcoming season.

“I’ve wanted to play at the college level for a while now,” said Kelch. “Ever since I’ve been in Grade Eight, I’ve been thinking about it.”

“I didn’t know quite where I would end up. But, Lambton College has the best firefighting program and the opportunity to play the two sports that are closest to me made the decision an easy one.”

Kelch comes to Lambton College by way of Ecole Secondaire St-Francois Xavier in Sarnia. On the soccer field, Kelch plays for the Sarnia Girls U18 Program as a center defensive midfielder. On the badminton court, Kelch competes in Women’s Singles.

There is excitement from both coaching staffs on Kelch’s commitment to their group for the upcoming season and beyond.

“We are excited to welcome Tahlia to the Badminton Program,” said Brown. “We are looking forward to a great 2024-25 season.”

“We are looking forward to working with her for the upcoming season,” added Naik.

Academically, Kelch will be enrolled in the Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program at Lambton College.

Entering a physically demanding program like Pre-Service Fire while playing two varsity sports isn’t for the faint of heart. Kelch knows that things will be a challenge come September, but she is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead of her.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the new people on the teams and in my program,” added Kelch. “I’m also looking forward to seeing how far I can go in both of my sports and juggling everything at the same time.”

Welcome to The Den, Tahlia!

For more information, or for any media inquiries within Lambton College Athletics, please contact:

Tyler Bennett
Lambton College Sports Information & Marketing Coordinator
tyler.bennett@lambtoncollege.ca