Women's Soccer
January 16, 2013
KPU begins countdown to the CCAA Women’s National Soccer Championships with host banner presentation
(Metro Vancouver, BC) - On January 15, 2013, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) kicked off the countdown to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s National Soccer Championships with a banner presentation at its Surrey Campus. KPU Eagles athletes, coaches, students, staff, and president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis, gathered together to commemorate the presentation of the official CCAA host championship banner.
Among the student-athletes in attendance was first year defensive player, Danyka Wadley. “It is the ultimate reward as an athlete to play in a national championship,” said Wadley. “I am passionate about Kwantlen and I feel honoured to be able to represent the Kwantlen Eagles at the 2013 Women’s National Soccer Championships.”
Canada’s top-eight collegiate women’s soccer teams will compete for the 2013 CCAA national title at Newton athletic park in Surrey from November 6-9, 2013. As the host team, the Kwantlen Eagles women’s soccer team is guaranteed a spot in the tournament as one of the eight qualifying teams. This qualification comes with years of successful campaigns at the provincial and national level. For the past four consecutive years the women’s team has qualified for provincial championships, winning a provincial bronze in 2008, provincial titles in 2009 and 2010 and also participating in back-to-back CCAA women’s national championships (2009, 2010) while winning the bronze medal in 2009.
“Hosting a national championship is an honour for Kwantlen Eagles Athletics, and we are excited to bring this event to Surrey and to British Columbia,” commented Elise Le Brun, director, athletics and recreation, KPU. “We hope that the theme Ignite Your Passion will inspire athletes from across the country to strive for excellence, and for fans and volunteers to get involved and participate in what will be a memorable championship for everyone.”
Kwantlen has been the host for many major sporting events, but this is a first for the CCAA national championship. The university’s hosting committee comprises of sport-event professionals combined with educational leaders who have collectively hosted collegiate, single and multi-sport events. Together they have developed a reputation for hosting successful provincial events such as the 2007 BCCAA provincial soccer championships, co-hosting the 2010 BCCAA provincial soccer championships and co-hosting the 2012 PACWEST (formerly BCCAA) provincial basketball championships.
For further information on the 2013 CCAA women’s soccer national championships please contact Elise Le Brun at Elise.LeBrun@kwantlen.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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Photo Caption: 292 days and counting: President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis joins members of the Kwantlen Eagles women’s soccer team as they start the countdown to welcome Canada’s best to Surrey, when they host the 2013 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championships this November.
L-R: Elise Le Brun (Athletics Director), Kathlin Trudeau, Kwinten (mascot), Dominique Lang, Dr. Alan Davis (President and Vice-Chancellor) Meghan Nilsson, Nicole Gibbons, Danyka Wadley, Joan McEachern (Assistant coach)
October 24, 2012
Eagles Named to PACWEST Soccer All-Star Teams
(Metro Vancouver) – In advance of the upcoming 2012 Soccer Provincial Championships hosted by Quest University in Squamish, the PACWEST has announced the All-Star Teams for the 2012-2013 Season with a number of Eagles on the list.
Representing Kwantlen on the Women’s First Team All-Stars is fifth-year student-athlete, Brittany McNeill (Delta). In her final year of eligible play, Brittany captained the Eagles to a (5W-4T-5L) record this past season.
A strong defender and student in the Bachelor of Arts – Psychology program, Brittany led the Eagles as centre back through her five years to win a Provincial Bronze in 2008, two back-to-back Provincial titles (2009 & 2010) and a National Bronze in 2009.
Joining her on the list as a 2nd Team All-Star is first-year forward, Harveer Rai (Surrey). An Associate of Arts – Criminology student, Harveer made her mark on the PACWEST stage in her first year scoring 3 goals in critical situations for the Eagles and ranked 14th in the PACWEST scoring leaders list.
CONGRATULATIONS to all of our All-Stars!
October 22, 2012
Eagles Women Battle for Final Playoff Spot
(Metro Vancouver) – The race for the final Provincial Championship spot for both Men’s and Women’s Eagles would prove to be an up and down exchange throughout the weekend against the Langara Falcons. With one of the last league games being a contest between the two teams, at least the Eagles would have a hand in the fate of the outcome.
The home stretch began on Saturday when the Falcons played host to the Eagles. With both teams needing points to maintain playoff positioning, the Women’s Eagles came out with force and determination and held the majority of the pressure in the first half. Constant pressing in the Langara half resulted in many scoring chances for the Eagles and, in the 25th minute, it paid off as an extra effort when third-year Kathleen Gratz (Surrey) challenged the Falcons’ goalie resulting in a turnover that Gratz was able to tap home and open the game. Langara responded with increased pressure on the Eagles back line in the second half but the Eagles stayed strong and held the line to only allow a few scoring chances for the Falcons. When the Eagles’ defense did bend slightly, second-year keeper Chelsea Jewell (Delta) supported the team with the big saves that were needed. In the final 25 minutes, the Eagles exerted more pressure up the field but it was not until the final 5 minutes of the game that first-year forward, Harveer Rai (Surrey) secured the win with a rocket shot giving Jewell the shut-out and the Eagles three-points for the win in a 2-0 result.
On Sunday, the Women’s Eagles knew that they needed a victory to secure a playoff spot against third-place Quest in Squamish. A Quest goal off a corner kick in the first 15 minutes of play made the Eagles’ task even harder. Not giving up, the Eagles continued to challenge from the front line with tenacity from the forwards and composure and solid movement in the centre midfield led by performances like first-year Jessica Anderegg (Surrey). In the end, Quest played stronger racking up another two goals in the game to end the match with a 3-0 loss for the Eagles. With the Langara win over Douglas in other league play, the Eagles fate was determined, finishing just shy of a playoff spot in fifth place for the season.
As the Women’s Eagles’ season ends, the Men’s continues on to Provincial Championships at Quest University this weekend. The Men play their first game of playoff action on Saturday, October 27th at 1:30pm against top-ranked Douglas College Royals.
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