Defender Drew Beckie And Sister Janine Look Forward To Big 2016

Many young athletes around the country dream of turning professional and make a living doing what they love the most. In some cases, families have more than one athlete in the family to cheer for, thus the likelihood of lightning striking twice is slight, but one Canadian family defied the odds with Drew and Janine Beckie.

RailHawks signee Drew Beckie has played soccer professionally for over three years and has represented his country in the 2012 Olympic qualifying games, as well as the U-20 and U-17 levels. As for his sister Janine, the youngest Beckie sibling recently signed her first professional contract with the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League.

Representing Canada is an accomplishment the pair takes tremendous pride in.

“The biggest accomplishment for myself would probably be representing my country at all levels, U-17 all the way up," Drew said. "I haven't had the opportunity with the full team as of yet, but playing for your country is a great honor." 

Janine echoes Drew’s sentiment of pride, relishing on the accomplishments she has been able to achieve at such a young age.

“I think my biggest accomplishment has been playing with the national team and signing a professional contract this year,” Janine said. “Playing professionally and at the international level has been a dream of mine since I started playing soccer and to have the chance to do both at 21 has been a blessing and a dream come true.”

Although born to basketball player parents, Drew and Janine grew up in a household fully immersed in the soccer world, as their other two sisters played as well. Both Drew and Janine started playing at age four, creating a hectic schedule, as well as a balance between family competition and support.

“I remember Drew always trying to make me tougher because he’s four years older than me, so he was obviously much bigger than me growing up,” Janine said. “It was always hard for me to play against him, but I loved it, and I really believe playing with him when I was young played a part in the player that I am now. He has been a big influence on my soccer career.”

Despite the sibling rivalry the two shared while under the same roof, the pair has fostered a supportive and loving relationship as they embark on their separate journeys.

“We are close, we text and use FaceTime to keep in touch,” Drew said. “She will ask me things about the professional game and I will try and give her some tips.”

Although Janine credits Drew for helping her progression as a player, the pair have very different styles of play, where Drew is a defender and Janine is a forward. Despite their style differences, they manage to find points of admiration for each other.

“Drew is a very clean and simple player," Janine said. "He does the little things very well - he strikes the ball better than most players that I’ve seen, he’s very aggressive and physical and he’s very good in the air. Drew is a playmaker and a competitor.”

Drew said there are similarities in his and Janine’s speedy nature and natural athleticism, despite their differences.

“I have always been a defensive-minded player growing up and I'm not sure where Janine picked up the offensive prowess, but it's nice to see in a defensive-minded family,” Drew said. “I like how she attacks defenders and puts them on the back foot. She is also a very good finisher for her age.”

It has turned out to be an exciting start to 2016 for the Beckie siblings, one that will see Janine and Drew with new contracts for the impending season, as Drew prepares to head down south to Cary, N.C.

“I was really excited for him. I could tell how happy he was to sign the contract and I think he is confident that he can make a big impact in the RailHawks, of which I have no doubts,” Janine said. “The RailHawks made a great decision on this one, they will not be sorry.”

While the Triangle seems different than Canada, Drew said he has heard nothing but positive things about Cary.

“I am excited to be at a new club that has high aspirations,” Drew said. “You have to surround yourself with great people and I believe Carolina does a great job at that. The facilities are great and I believe we will have a great chance to get the Soccer Bowl.”

As for Janine, she is on the pursuit of gold with the national team as the women prepare for a trip to the Olympics.

“I am looking forward to what is to come this year,” Janine said. “I am very grateful for the opportunity that I have been given and I intend to do everything I can to get this team a gold medal in Rio.”