For immediate release

June 22, 2010

Kwantlen Eagles names women’s soccer head coach

(Metro Vancouver, B.C.) The Department of Athletics and Recreation at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is pleased to announce that Gordon Smith has accepted the position of head coach of the Eagles women's soccer program. Smith, a Vancouver native, is a former student-athlete from the UBC Thunderbirds men's soccer program (1993-1996).

Smith has an extensive background in coaching, and team and athlete development. He holds a master's degree in education with a specific focus on advanced coaching.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to build on the recent success of Kwantlen's soccer program,” said coach Smith. “I am looking forward to working with the enthusiastic and focused group of returning athletes, as well as the new recruits coming to the team in 2010.”

Smith joins the Eagles program after spending nine years teaching at West Point Grey Academy; four of which he assumed the role as head coach of the Grey Wolves men's and women's soccer program. In 2008, he coached the Grey Wolves to a bronze medal finish at the "A" Provincial and National CAIS soccer tournaments.

"Gordon brings some key elements and experience to the Eagles program,” said Elise Le Brun, director of athletics and recreation. “His passion for the game, experience as a student-athlete and coaching education will help develop an exceptional women's soccer program."

The Kwantlen Eagles women's soccer team captured Kwantlen's first BCCAA Provincial Championship in 2009, and a CCAA National Bronze medal.

For more information about the women’s soccer program, please contact Coach Smith at wsoccer@kwantlen.ca, or visit the Eagles website at kwantlen.ca/eagles.

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For more information about this story or the Eagles Athletics programs, contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2980
athletics@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Audrey Wang
Manager, Communications
Tel: 604.599.2385
audrey.wang@kwantlen.ca