Eagle Butte’s McLeod joins the Kodiaks volleyball program
The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s soccer team continues to add young talent as a new Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season rapidly approaches.
The latest addition to head coach Sean Carey’s roster is Joel McLeod, a centreback from Medicine Hat, Alta. who joins the Kodiaks after graduating from Eagle Butte High School.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Joel and he’s made a really great impression so far,” says Carey. “He’s been a guy that comes in and all of a sudden, he’s commanding a starting role and a leadership role. He’s just so steady at the back. He brings a calmness and his soccer IQ is really good. He sees the field well and he’s the type of player I think is going to rise to every challenge that comes his way. While he may be soft spoken around his teammates, McLeod brings a unique tenacity once he crosses onto the pitch. “He’s quiet around the guys, but he’s such a pleasure to have on the team,” says Carey. “He’s very committed going into challenges, his timing is perfect and he’s great at shielding. He’s also strong going shoulder to shoulder.” McLeod says choosing Lethbridge College was the perfect combination of being close to home and having an opportunity to play for a competitive program.
“I wanted to get out of town, but I also wanted to stay close to home and be close to my dad,” says McLeod. “Lethbridge [College] just seemed like the right fit for me. Being able to play under a coach like Sean is a great opportunity.”
McLeod is enjoying his training camp experience and is confident in the team’s direction.
“I think I can bring an element of physicality from the back, but also have the composure and vision to hit a long ball through to some of our faster strikers,” says McLeod. “Training camp has been good, it’s been fun. It’s a lot of new guys, a lot of new faces.” McLeod adds he already has a couple of matches circled on his calendar, including a visit to his hometown. “Going down to Medicine Hat and playing the [MHC] Rattlers, I’m looking forward to that. That’ll be fun to see a bunch of familiar faces.”
A new season on the horizon
The Kodiaks men’s soccer team went 2-1 last weekend during an exhibition trip to Red Deer. The team is now preparing for their ACAC regular season opener on Sept. 9 at Ambrose University. The Kodiaks home opener will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Servus Centre Outdoor Field against Medicine Hat College.