By Cascades Media. The UFV Cascades women’ s soccer team is looking local for a large portion of the 2014 recruiting class. Head coach Rob Giesbrecht is proud to be bringing in four players he has worked extensively with in his role as the coach of the U18 Fraser Valley Football Club (playing in the BC Soccer Premier League). The team is made up of the top players in the Fraser Valley competing at the highest level possible for youth soccer. Joining the Cascades from Fraser Valley FC are Sarah Miller, Lauren Venhola, Kris Collins and McKenzie Hildebrand.
Sarah Miller is a central midfielder from Abbotsford, BC (Robert Bateman Secondary). Miller is a box-to-box midfielder who can either play in a holding role or in a more advanced role. She is a fierce competitor that will thrive at the CIS level. Capable of distributing the ball extremely well, Miller has proven that she can definitely handle the physical style of soccer that lies ahead of her in the ultra-competitive Canada West conference.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play at a university level, and UFV has always been where I’ve wanted to go,” said Miller. “I have watched the UFV men and women’s teams for a long time, and both programs have skilled and dedicated players. I am honored to be able to be a part of a growing program and I hope to make an impact.”
Lauren Venhola is an attacking player also from Abbotsford, BC (Yale Secondary). Venhola is comfortable playing as a central striker or in a wider role, and is an outstanding athlete with the potential to be a formidable attacking force in the CIS. Venhola has the pace to get behind opponents, the strength to hold the ball up, and the power to be an aerial threat on offense.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to go to UFV and play on a great team in my community,” said Venhola. “The team as well as the coach have made me feel very welcomed in joining this group and I couldn’t be more thrilled to play and learn from such great mentors and start this new chapter in my life.”
Kris Collins is a versatile player from Abbotsford, BC (Yale Secondary). Collins is also an incredible athlete possessing many of the attributes required to be successful playing CIS soccer, including great pace and power. Collins will likely compete for a role as an outside back since she is an excellent passer and a solid individual defender.
“I chose to go to UFV because it has a very good reputation for its education and also for its achievements in sports,” said Collins. “By going to UFV I will be able to stay close to my family and be able to save money so I can hopefully travel and study abroad at one of UFV’s sister schools in a few years … I have really enjoyed being trained by Coach Giesbrecht for the past couple of seasons and look forward to learning more from him this year and for years to come at UFV.”
McKenzie Hildebrand is an attacking player from Chilliwack, BC (Sardis Secondary). Hildebrand is a gifted athlete that can play on the wing or in behind a striker. She possesses an excellent work ethic, and she has the potential to be a very good CIS player. Hildebrand can get behind our opponents with her pace off the ball; and she also has the vision to dissect opponents with her passing.
“Playing university soccer was always one of my goals Consequently it was an easy decision when I was given the opportunity to play for UFV, which has both successful athletic teams and a lot to offer academically,” said Hildebrand. “I have heard great things about the women’s soccer team and I am looking forward to being a part of a team full of dedicated and talented players. “
With files from Rob Giesbrecht.
Left to Right: Lauren Venhola, Sarah Miller, McKenzie Hildebrand, Kris Collins