The Niagara Knights women's soccer program is pleased to announce the addition of Madison Harley for the upcoming 2018-19 season. Harley is a graduate of Craig Kielburger Secondary School, and brings the Knights an impressive soccer resume that includes time spent with the Ancaster Titans of the OYSL and the Niagara Regional program.
"We are really excited to have added Maddy" said Niagara Knights women's soccer head Coach Rob Lalama. "We've been watching her for the past two years in the Golden Horseshoe Soccer League and with the Niagara Regional team this past year. She is a skilled player with speed, strength and power. She can play in any position which and will fit in very nicely with our team."
Harley has spent significant time at both the forward and defender position, and possesses the unique ability to excel at a high level from both spots. The Milton Ontario native will enroll in the Niagara College pre-health program beginning in September, and has aspirations of becoming a paramedic.
"I chose Niagara College because I plan on pursuing a career in Paramedics and Niagara has an amazing program" said Harley during a meet and greet at the Welland campus athletic centre. "Having the opportunity to play for such a great soccer team at is really exciting. I also really wanted to experience the college campus life, and I was very impressed with the residences and what the whole Niagara campus had to offer."
During her scholarship and letter of intent signing, the 18-year old Harley listed her career accomplishments as winning the 2017 GHSL Championship, 2017 Ontario Cup semi-finalist, and three consecutive inclusions on the Niagara Elite Showcase team (2015-17).
Harley will join a talented Niagara Knights side that was eliminated in the opening round of the 2017 OCAA playoffs by the Seneca Sting. The Knights will return the bulk of their roster in 2018 including standout midfielder Kara Latham (Welland), OCAA west division rookie of the year Michelle Maecker (Fonthill), and OCAA west division defensive player of the year Alexis Hebert (Waterdown)
"My goal at Niagara is to learn and grow as a player and have a positive impact on the field alongside my teammates" continued Harley. "I am very competitive, and I look forward to helping this team achieve their goals of winning and competing at the OCAA Championship this year."
Harley will get her first taste of OCAA action on August 15th when tryouts and training camp officially open for the Niagara Knights women's soccer program.
