The Niagara College department of Athletics & Recreation is pleased to announce the return of three former student-athletes to the Women's Soccer Program. During a media event held at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre, Cassandra Gilmore, Olivia Page, and Chelsea Fraser were all announced as returning to the Niagara College Knights.

Niagara College women's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis commented "having these players back at Niagara after a two year hiatus is a coach's dream. These student-athletes are three of the starting back four from my last season with the women's program. A season that saw us make the playoffs."

Fraser, a 20-year old Grimsby native, previously graduated from the Niagara College Dental Hygiene program in 2011. She commented "Cassie, Olivia and I played together two seasons ago. Having strong chemistry between teammates and players is something that you never lose, and that gets me excited to get back out on the field and work together like old times."

Welland native Cassandra Gilmore will return to the Knights this season after electing to enroll in the two-year Child and Youth Worker Program. She commented "I'm excited to be back. I want to be a leader on the field and help improve our record. I also want to focus on my studies, my personal fitness, and my work within the community."

Coach DeChellis discussed Gilmore's return by adding "I'm glad to have Cassandra back. She has a high fitness level, good speed, she is strong defensively, and she understands how to start an attack from the wide defender position."

Olivia Page has previously been named Niagara College Rookie of the Year, she also captured the Indoor Soccer Leadership award, and was named a Niagara College athlete of the week. The Welland native will enroll in the Pre-Health Science Program.

Coach DeChellis commented, "Olivia is well trained, has a high soccer IQ, and will provide instant leadership to our program."

When asked about her goals for the upcoming season the 22-year old Page added, "I want to work with the other girls to get some wins during the short soccer season. I am also looking forward to maintaining strong grades, and enjoying the year with my friends."

"It is exciting to welcome back these three student-athletes to the program" added DeChellis.  "All three of these young women were socially and emotionally integral to the overall well being of our program in 2010 and it's good to have them back."

The 2013 Niagara College Women's Soccer season kicks off on Wednesday, August 21 at 4:30pm when the Knights host a friendly match versus the Brock Badgers. All Niagara College soccer home matches will be played at Youngs Sportsplex.