Five Kodiaks recognized with ACAC soccer awards
The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s and women’s soccer programs were well represented as the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) announced its 2021 soccer award winners Oct. 28.
A total of five Kodiaks student-athletes were selected to the ACAC all-conference team. On the women’s side, rookies Krista Van Diemen and Megan Morrison as well as second-year standout Olivia DePasquale were recognized as all-conference selections.
The Kodiaks men’s team was also represented by a pair of veterans. Team captain Ben Knight received his third straight all-conference selection as a midfielder, while fifth-year defender Jaden Veluw finished his post-secondary career on a high note, being named to the all-conference team for the second consecutive season.
Both Kodiaks men’s and women’s programs enjoyed strong regular seasons before bowing out of the ACAC playoffs in the south division semifinals earlier this month. The teams will now take a short break before preparing for the 2022 ACAC futsal season.
WSOC: Megan Morrison – ACAC all-conference defence Morrison (first year, General Studies, Medicine Hat) impressed in her first season of post-secondary soccer, providing a steady presence on the Kodiaks back end. The rookie from Medicine Hat was adept at snuffing out opposing attacks and used her speed to consistently win races to loose balls. She started all six regular season games for the Kodiaks, scoring a goal and adding an assist.
WSOC: Krista Van Diemen – ACAC all-conference defence Van Diemen (first year, Criminal Justice – Policing, Lethbridge) displayed a fearless style of defence in her rookie season while also showcasing some offensive flare. The Lethbridge Football Club product was a brick wall at the Kodiaks back end and could always be counted on to win tough challenges. She also provided a key offensive spark off set pieces, recording an impressive three goals and one assist. WSOC: Olivia DePasquale – ACAC all-conference midfield DePasquale (second year, Massage Therapy, Airdrie) emerged as one of the most dominant playmaking midfielders in the entire conference in just her second season. The team captain led the Kodiaks offence all year, finishing fourth in the conference with nine goals – many coming off long distance set pieces. She also was an effective distributor, recording a conference leading eight assists in six games. Above all, she provided positive leadership for a young Kodiaks squad and displayed a remarkable ability to control the pace of the game. MSOC: Ben Knight – ACAC all-conference midfield
After being named the 2019 ACAC Player of the Year, Knight (fourth year, Open Studies, Manchester, England) continued to lead the Kodiaks men’s squad in 2021. He scored a team leading five goals and tallied six assists, the second most in the conference. Above all, the team captain continued to show a remarkable ability to control the pace of play in each game, pairing smart decision making with his creative playmaking ability. This marks the third straight season Knight has been named an ACAC all-conference player.
MSOC: Jaden Veluw – ACAC all-conference defence Veluw (fifth year, Nursing, Lethbridge) finished his postsecondary career with another impressive season, providing the Kodiaks with a dependable defensive presence every time he stepped on the pitch. Offensively, Veluw recorded two goals and an assist while showing a tremendous ability to knock in big headers off set pieces and corners. This is the second straight season Veluw has been named an all-conference player.