Friday, October 25, saw the announcement of the 2013 OCAA men's and women's league All-Stars. The Knights saw four student-athletes selected including Austin MacDonell and Jordi Amores from the men's program, and Chelsea Fraser and Melanie Bajic from the women's. All four players are first time OCAA All-Stars.
Niagara College men's and women's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis commented "these four student-athletes are up to par with the province's best. Our OCAA All-stars represent our program at all positions on the field, from goalkeeper to goal scorer, and everywhere in between. They are emblematic of our progressive program and the passion all 46 players brought to training every night."
Second-year forward Austin MacDonell enjoyed a breakout year for the Knights. The Pickering native recorded six goals in nine matches, while also serving as the Knights primary offensive setup man throughout the season. MacDonell had his strongest outing during the Knights' playoff clinching match versus the Lambton Lions on October 6th. The fitness and health promotion student finished the match with three goals and was named OCAA men's soccer athlete of the week for his performance.
First-year center midfielder Jordi Amores made the transition to post-secondary play seamlessly. The Niagara Falls native served as the Knights' driving force throughout the season, controlling large portions of matches with his speed and skill. Amores, who also competes for Niagara United in the Canadian Soccer League, is a graduate of Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School and is currently enrolled in the Niagara College graphic design program.
Defender Chelsea Fraser made her return to the Niagara College women's soccer program this season. Having previously competed for the Knights in 2010 and 2011, Fraser's veteran leadership and knowledge of the game helped the Knights to their best season in recent memory. The rock solid defense played by the Grimsby native was instrumental in securing a 2-0 shutout victory over Redeemer. The win was the Knights first since 2010.
Second-year goalkeeper Melanie Bajic was at times spectacular for the Niagara College women's soccer program this season. Bajic provided the Knights with stability, veteran leadership, and fearless athleticism from the keeper position which helped give the Knights a chance to win every time they took the field. The Grimsby native is a graduate of Grimsby Secondary School and is currently enrolled in the Niagara College Police Foundations program.
