Just because it's the off-season doesn't mean the coaches for the Laurentian University women's soccer team aren't working hard trying to build a winning squad.
Lady Vees soccer head coach Rob Gallo and Laurentian Athletics
recently announced Caitlin Kelly has committed to the Lady Vees
soccer program beginning in September.
A native of Peterborough, Ont., Kelly attended Holy Cross
Catholic Secondary School where she was a three-time city and
Kawartha's champion, two-time COSSAA champion and OFSAA
participant. She was also the leading scorer for her high
school team for four years (2003-2006). Kelly has
experienced just as much success in the classroom as she has on
the field. She was given the Award of Academic Excellence in
2002-03 and made the school's honour roll in 2004-05 and
2005-06.
This 15-year veteran of the sport - 10 competitively - is
known for her versatility, physical play and winning
attitude.
"I hope to bring a passion for the game, play making abilities, good work ethic and a positive attitude to the team," said Kelly in a press release. "I'm excited to be on a new team, where I can make new friends and where I can be part of a team that is striving to win championships."
Laurentian is excited about securing Kelly for the team.
"Caitlin has experience in the forward position as well as spending some time as a defender and midfielder," said Gallo. "She has exhibited the ability to score along with the creativity to serve up a number of assists. We look forward to considering Caitlin in a couple of different roles for this fall. A player with the diversified experience that she possesses is always a great addition to our program."
Kelly, like most student-athletes, credits her parents and
family for supporting her and pushing her to succeed at
everything she does. She says if it were not for her parents,
she may not be where she is now. It was her parents who
encouraged her at age four to start playing soccer and then at
nine, encouraged her to join the rep team. Finally, it was her
father who pushed her to contact Gallo about playing at
Laurentian.
"My parents have always supported my athletics, as long as
school was my first priority," said Kelly.
The soccer player also credits her visit to Laurentian as
the reason she will play for the Vees and attend Laurentian in
the fall.
"After I contacted Coach Gallo, he was adamant I come see
the campus for myself. On my tour, I was taken to the top
of one of the buildings where you could see the entire campus
and the city of Sudbury," said Kelly. "I fell in love with the
campus, atmosphere, environment and the people were so
friendly. I was also able to stay in residence with one of the
girls on the team and was made to feel so comfortable. From
that point on I knew Laurentian would be my new home."
Over the summer Kelly can be found on the pitch playing for her club team, the Whitby Iroquois 88's. Starting in September she will look to continue her success both in and out of the classroom with her enrolment in the Sports & Physical Education program at Laurentian.
