The Niagara College Women's soccer program is set to begin the 2013 OCAA regular season on Wednesday afternoon when the team travels to Ancaster to take on the Redeemer University College Royals. The Knights will look to improve on a 2012 campaign that saw a young team play to a record of 0-7-1.

The off-season saw the Knights move in a new direction with the hiring of new head coach Frank DeChellis. DeChellis will serve as head coach of both the men's and women's soccer programs at Niagara College.

DeChellis, who previously served as the head coach of the women's program from 2008-2010, commented "it's great to be back with the Knights women's soccer program." He continued "the team last season was very young, and competed hard in every game. They are an intelligent group, and heading into this season with an extra year of maturity, and some of the players we've been able to add, we should see some much improved outcomes."

Coach DeChellis enjoyed a strong off-season of recruiting, adding a trio of players with previous CCAA playing experience in Olivia Page, Chelsea Fraser and Cassandra Gilmore, as well as incoming rookies Rachel Wachner and Alexis Gilby.

The new recruits will join a core group of returning players that includes 2012-13 team rookie of the year Robyn DeKlerk, and veterans Melanie Bajic, Natalia Bessagato, Kelly Caslin, Sierra Grant, and Ashley Moccia.

Matthew Davies, Niagara College manager of athletics & recreation, commented "we are very excited about this season and the high performance culture that Coach DeCheillis and his coaching staff are creating within the women's soccer program."

The Knights will have a new home field for the 2013 campaign as the team will play their home matches at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland. All Knights home soccer matches during the 2013 season feature free admission. For a full schedule please visit www.goknights.ca.