Metro Vancouver.....The KPU Eagles are exceptionally proud of our women and men's soccer programs as the 2014 PACWEST season awards were announced today. The Eagles congratulate women's soccer Jessica Anderegg, Surrey, BC and men's soccer Nawaf Binsaleh, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Jacob Starheim, Delta, BC on being named first-team PACWEST Conference All-Stars. The Eagles also congratulate first-year head coach Julie King on being named the 2014 PACWEST woman's soccer Coach of the Year.
Anderegg is a third-year defender whose intensity, drive, and confidence on the field are admired by her teammates and coaching staff. The Arts major is a great role model for the young KPU team. Her strength and impressive work ethic are admirable as she consistently plays all 90 minutes of each game for all they are worth. Her contributions alongside first-year defender Pamela Scowby, Surrey, BC and in conjunction with first-year goalkeepers Simran Meelu, Abbotsford, BC and Chantalle Bracken, Langley, BC give the Eagles' a powerful backline that has helped improved the program's 2014 regular season record. This is the first All-Star nod for Anderegg and the Eagles look forward to having her as a part of the team for the rest of her university soccer career.
Binsaleh has had a tremendously productive first-season with the Eagles as a key force in the KPU backline. The business major was a strong addition to the roster and is known for his determination, athleticism, and dedication on the field, as well as humour and good-nature off the field. Nawaf has a great eye for the ball with a strong ability to pick out passes from down the pitch and can anticipate the play, he has also stepped into the midfield in a defensive capacity and demonstrated that he is able to adapt to the needs of his team. Nawaf is a quiet leader on the team who is very well-liked and respected by his teammates and coaching staff. The Eagles look forward to guiding Nawaf over the course of his university soccer career and are eager to see where next year will take him.
Starheim is in his fifth year with the men's soccer program and finishes his university career on a high note as a 2014 PACWEST All-Star.The team Captain and psychology major has played a tremendous role in helping to shape the future of the program as a role model. Jake leads by example through his tireless work, dedication to excellence, confident play, and strong soccer sense. Originally a forward with a knack for scoring goals, his versatility has made him a major threat on all lines as this year he has been a major force in controlling the midfield with his speed and strength. Jake was named a PACWEST first-team All-Star in 2012 and has been named KPU men's soccer MVP three years out of four.
Coach King is in her first year with the KPU Eagles women's soccer program and in addition to helping improve the team's record this year, she has made a significant impact on the overall culture of the program. Under King's leadership the Eagles regular season record improved from 3-7-4 and 13 points (in an eight-team conference) in 2013 to 4-5-6 (in a six-team conference) and 18 points this year. The players are happy with the atmosphere of the program this year and note that its not only King's strong soccer resume, but her methods and personality that have given them pride in being an Eagle at KPU. Fifth-year defender Kathlin Trudeau, Surrey, BC is thrilled with the work that King has done with the program thus far, "Coach King has made such a positive influence with our team, not only with her vast knowledge on the game but how she builds relationships within the team and with each player. She has worked hard to help us create a stronger team culture, a sense of pride, and shared goals that we all buy into."
These sentiments are echoed amongst Trudeau's teammates. Second-year midfielder Samantha Vegh noted, "We are all focused on the same goal to win and to be a top contending team." Anderegg stated, "From the start Coach King emphasized how important it was for us to enjoy playing the game, to work hard for what we achieve, but really to enjoy being with the team and playing the game." Trudeau also stated, "Coach King helps instill confidence in each player, she motivates us. Throughout the season she has told us that its not the result but the process and this has really stuck with our team as we head into the playoffs. Everyone knows they have to do their job and contribute to the success of the team, not the individual."
Fifth-year captain Norma Sheane, Burnaby, BC noted that the honours are well-deserved, "On behalf of the team I would like to congratulate Coach King on being named 'PACWEST women's soccer 2014 Coach of the Year'. The transformations she has produced within our team over the last year have been remarkable. We are so happy to have her as our coach, throughout the year she has pushed us to be better, while at the same time keeping the atmosphere light with her hilarious sense of humour. We would like to thank Julie for being here for our team this season. Congratulations Coach!"
Coach King holds a degree and post-graduate degree in Coaching Science, a Provincial 'B' coaching licence, an English Football Association Level 2 license, and is completing a Canadian Soccer Association 'B' License. She brings over 15 years of experience coaching women in high-performance programs at the club, provincial, and university level in Canada and overseas. She is also the technical director for women's soccer with the Fraser Valley Football Club.
The Eagles take on the best in the conference this weekend at the 2014 PACWEST provincials hosted by the Quest University Kermodes in Squamish, BC. The women's team will take on the VIU Mariners on Friday, October 24, 2014 with a 7:00pm kick-off. The men take to the field on Saturday, October 25th at 10:00am versus the Douglas College Royals.
For more information on the 2014 PACWEST Soccer Provincials, please visit http://www.questkermodes.ca/.
Photo Credit: Tree Frog Imaging
For more information on the Department of Athletics & Recreation, please contact Junelle Mah, sports information and marketing, at 604-786-0804 or at junelle.mah@kpu.ca.
The KPU Eagles Department of Athletics & Recreation enters its 14th season of interuniversity competition. The Eagles are members of the PACWEST conference and play in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with 100 student-athletes participating on eight varsity teams in men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, badminton and golf. KPU athletics plays its home games at the Eagles’ Nest (Surrey Campus), Northview Golf & Country Club, Newton Athletic Park, all located in Surrey, BC and the Ace Badminton Centre in Richmond, BC. The Eagles are active in the conference with staff members on various advisory committees and competing to host both provincial and national championships. The student-athletes are mainly from the lower mainland but KPU’s rosters have included student-athletes from North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
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