The Simon Fraser University women’s soccer team unveiled its newest crop of commitments for the 2019-2020 season, led by a pair of Burnaby products.
Leading the list of newest soccer talent that will play and study on Burnaby Mountain come September are Cariboo Hill Secondary student Amanda Scott and Alpha Secondary’s Giuliana Zaurrini.
The pair, along with Doreen Anane-Bediakoh, Savannah Bauder, Kiara Buono, Kelsey Fisher, Jenieva Musico, Jazzi Paulson and Valerie Silva, put pen to paper recently to letters of intent to play for Canada’s NCAA team.
Scott, a midfielder/defender who played with the TSS FC program, is a multi-sport athlete who was a member of the TSS Rovers women’s premier league squad which debuted last year at Swangard Stadium. The five-foot-seven midfielder brings with her a strong training background, as well as an honour-roll attitude.
“Amanda is a great addition for us,” remarked SFU head coach Annie Hamel. “She has a lot of speed and her passing ability is extraordinary. She is very comfortable on the ball and can escape pressure in almost any situation."
Part of the TSS roster that won three straight Sounders FC Cups since 2016, Scott is aiming to study medicine.
"I chose SFU because of its extensive selection of programs to choose from and its high academic standard. It also offers the best of both worlds -- being able to stay close to home while also having the opportunity to play in the NCAA."
Zaurrini, meanwhile, comes to SFU via Mountain United FC, the premier club that also trained fellow recruits Bauder and Buono.
A forward/midfielder, the five-foot-five Zaurrini is expected to solidify the team with her well-balanced approach.
"Giuliana possesses a great balance between athleticism and skill. She is a hardworking player who is always effective on the pitch and will be an attacking threat in a variety of positions," said Hamel.
Although predominantly from the Lower Mainland, the new recruits include Brampton, Ont.’s Anane-Bediakoh, Camas, Washington’s Paulson.
"This freshmen class showcases our effort in attracting and recruiting the top players in the Lower Mainland youth soccer community and beyond," said the coach. "They possess speed, athleticism, size and technical ability. Our graduating players over the last few seasons have helped strengthen the reputation of our program and I expect these incoming student-athletes to embrace our culture and continue to build on our accomplishments."
