The Niagara Knights women's soccer program is proud to announce the addition of striker Sophia Al-Kayed. Al-Kayed joins the Knights out of St. Francis Catholic Secondary School and the St. Catharines Jets U21 club system. Al-Kayed also competes for the Niagara Regional Team that has captured three GHSL titles.
"We've been scouting Sophia for the past few years at St. Francis and with the Niagara Regional Soccer Program" said Niagara College women's soccer head coach Rob Lalama. She is an attacker with aggression and speed. She's able to beat a defender 1v1 or hold onto the ball to make a play to a supporting player."
The 18-year old Al-Kayed will bring the Knights speed, creativity, and the ability to find the back of the net. She is a versatile player that also possess the skills to play in the midfield. She will enroll in the Niagara College General Business program beginning in September.
"Niagara College is close to home and offers a compelling business program" said Al-Kayed during a scholarship and letter of intent signing event at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. "Not only did the academics intrigue me but also the soccer team's recent performances and the team's coaching staff."
Al-Kayed is a two-time participant in the Niagara Region Soccer Showcase held annually in June at Youngs SportsPlex in Welland. In addition to her prowess of the soccer pitch, she was also a standout point guard for the St. Francis Phoenix women's basketball program.
Added Lalama, "Sophia gives our team the added attack we need. I look forward to see what she can accomplish at the collegiate level. We are getting both a quality player, and a good person to join our women's soccer program."
Al-Kayed and the rest of the Niagara Knights women's soccer program will return to the pitch on August 15th at Youngs SportsPlex when training camp officially opens. The team will open the 2018-19 season on September 8th at home when the team hosts the Mohawk Mountaineers.
