SARNIA – The Lions family continues to grow.

Midfielder Maddy Forte has committed to Head Coach Kevin Simmonds and the Lambton Women’s Soccer Program for the 2023 season.

Forte is the second member of the 2023 recruiting class for Simmonds and his coaching staff. She will join Lauren Goldsack (London, Ont.) as newcomers with the Lions when the 2023 season gets underway in September.

“Maddy is a midfielder with an engine,” said Simmonds. “Her desire and intensity to win the ball make her a difficult player to play against.”

“Maddy is also a playmaker with the ability to score goals. She’s truly a footballer.”

The Forte name may be familiar to fans of the Lions. Cassie Forte suited up for the Lions during her time at Lambton College, with her last season being the 2017-18 season.

For Maddy, who comes to Lambton College from St. Patrick’s High School in Sarnia, she has grown up around the game of soccer. She’s played for Simmonds at various levels growing up, and the combination of that familiarity with the coach and her family connection to Lambton College helped her make her collegiate decision.

“I’ve played soccer all my life and I’m very excited to continue playing at the post-secondary level,” said Forte. “I know Kevin, I know the way he coaches, and I really enjoy playing for him.”

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

The educational piece was also a big factor in Forte’s decision, and the program’s reputation as one of the top programs in Canada swayed her decision even more towards Lambton College.

On the field, Forte hopes to bring her intensity on both sides of the field.

“I definitely play the game with a bit of an edge,” added Forte with a laugh. “I’m a competitor and I like to win.”

The Lions are coming off a bit of a rebuilding year in 2022, one that saw several key players on the team get bit by the injury bug. The Lions had just eight players with any collegiate experience coming into the season, meaning newcomers were thrust into key roles from the outset of the season.

Now, heading into the 2023 season, Simmonds and the Lions will be looking to use that gained experience from last season to their advantage. With Forte in the mix, the Lions are building towards an exciting future that will officially get started in September.

Welcome to The Den, Maddy!