Sunday, May 4th saw Niagara College women's soccer head coach Frank DeChellis get his first look at his potential 2014 roster. DeChellis and the rest of the Knights coaching staff held an open training session and evaluation clinic that saw over 25 prospective student-athletes in attendance.
"Overall I think we had a good off season of recruiting and conditioning" said DeChellis. "The returning players look fit and ready to compete, while the players we've added are talented and are poised to help take our program to the next level."
The event saw new and returning players undergo a high intensity 90-minute technical training session, followed by a competitive 90-minute simulated game.
Despite finishing the 2013 campaign with a record of 1-6-1 the Knights made major inroads towards a return to the OCAA post-season.
The program recorded their first victory since 2012 by earning a 2-0 shutout over the Redeemer Royals, and were competitive in virtually every match of the season.
"Last season was an improvement on 2012, and was a good learning experience for our younger players" said veteran defender Olivia Page. The Welland native who is in her second stint with the team continued "earlier touches on the ball are important, and training sessions are key in helping develop fitness for the short OCAA season. Our goal is to make the OCAA playoffs."
DeChellis serves as head coach of both the men's and women's soccer programs at Niagara College.
Since taking over the women's program prior to the 2013 season one of his primary focuses has been fitness and strength conditioning for the women's program.
"Training is crucial. We have implemented an off season training and testing regime. We have established our strength and conditioning baselines, and the program we have in place will raise the overall athleticism of our players. This will pay in dividends during the grueling and compact OCAA season."
This off-season the Knights will be subjected to monthly fitness and strength evaluations. The tests include a two mile run, shuttle test, beep test, squat testing, bench press, body fat analysis, and reach/flexibility testing.
Aside from conditioning and skill development, Sunday's workout also served as a team building session, as several incoming recruits were introduced to their new teammates.
The new Knights include Emily Babcock (midfield, Caledon East, ON), Rebecca Morrison (midfield, Erin, ON), Julie Pantusa (midfield, Niagara Falls, ON), Jackie Lawther (Striker, Grimsby).
The incoming student-athletes will be formally welcomed in the coming days when they visit their respective Niagara College campuses to sign scholarship offers, meet the Knights' coaching staff, and be introduced to the media.
