The Niagara College department of Athletics & Recreation is pleased to announce the addition of Jesse Derwinsky to the Men's Soccer Program. Derwinsky is a graduate of E.I. Crossley, and most recently competed for Niagara United of the Canadian Soccer League.
Frank DeChellis, head coach of the Niagara College Men's Soccer program commented "Jesse brings us the level of game fitness that we need to succeed at the OCAA level. He has seen credible soccer at the OYSL and CSL levels, and he knows what it takes to compete."
The 21-year old Welland native will enroll in the Bachelor of International Commerce program at Niagara College's Niagara-on-the-Lake campus.
When asked why he chose Niagara College, Derwinsky commented "first off it's close to home. Being from the Welland area I wanted to stay close to my family and friends. More importantly however, I did my research and the International Commerce program is very strong. These two things combine to make joining the Knights the right fit for me."
Derwinsky has the ability to play both the right midfield and right back positions. Coach Dechellis however feels that Derwinsky's fitness and foot speed make the perimeter defender position a more natural fit at the collegiate level.
DeChellis continued "as a defender, we expect Jesse to patrol our flanks in the coming seasons. He has the ability to make timely plays to launch our attacks and to set the bar high in terms of energy levels during the last 10 minutes of any match."
Derwinsky hopes to excel in all aspects of being a student-athlete during his time in a Knights uniform. He added "graduating with a degree is my ultimate goal, but earning an achievement like an OCAA All-Academic award is definitely something that I am striving towards. On the field I hope to help build the Knights soccer program, and to one day compete for a National Championship."
The Niagara College men's soccer season kicks off on Wednesday, September 11th when the team visits the Redeemer Royals. The Knights first home match is set for Sunday, August 25th at 12:00pm when the team hosts an exhibition match against the Trent University Excalibur at Youngs Sportsplex.
For more information please contact:
Mike Puillandre
Niagara College, Athletics & Recreation
905-735-2211 Ex. 7681
mpuillandre@niagaracollege.ca
