Soccer midfield duo reunite at St. Clair
Katia Palmer and Serena Smith are set to be teammates again. The two played together for the LaSalle Stompers half a decade ago, but then took different paths through the soccer world. On Tuesday, the two were back together after signing on to play for the St. Clair College Saints women’s soccer program this fall. “It’s pretty funny how we ended up meeting up together,” the 18-year-old Smith said. Saints head coach Kris Geier was thrilled to land the two talented midfielders for the program. “We needed some help in the midfield and that’s going to help us,” Geier said. “They’re quality players, good ball possession and good skills.
“I really like the way they handle the ball. They ’re great passers and I’m really looking for them to exploit defenders for us.”
A Holy Names high school product, the five-foot Palmer was a first-team all-star in the WECSSAA Tier I Division.
“I’ve heard a lot of great things from players already on the team and I want to stay home and I thought this was a great place,” the 17-year-old Palmer said. “I know a lot of people that are going to be here next year and it’s a great feeling because I’ve played with a lot of them.”
The five-foot-two Smith was set to walk away from the game when St. Anne high school coach Stacey Ditchfield convinced her to come out for the team.
“At first, I didn’t think I was going to come back and play soccer,” Smith said. “(Ditchfield) asked my plans for next year and I said I wasn’t sure. She introduced me to (Geier) and he showed me the outline and the benefits of playing and I’m very committed now.” Geier is expecting both to make contributions to the program immediately.
I’ve heard a lot of great things from players already on the team and I want to stay home and I thought this was a great place.
“At the college level, we expect that because we get the big turnover,” said Geier, whose team won the OCAA consolation title last year. “We don’t have the four-year kids. With their skill set, I don’t think it’ll be a problem.” Palmer believes she can contribute right away, but just wants to be a good teammate.
“I really want to assist a lot and just be there backing up my forwards and being there for my defenders helping out all over the field,” Palmer said.
Smith thinks playing for the Saints will also help her post-secondary transition.
“Just being part of a team and friends all the time, I definitely missed it,” Smith said. “The first year’s tough and practice will be a good place to let out all my frustration.”