Broncos Season Preview | Women's Soccer

All the preparations are wrapped up, and now, the points matter for the Olds College Broncos women's soccer team. 

Allan Siwela returns for his third season on the Broncos sideline, and he'll field a roster featuring a relatively balanced mix of returnees and new recruits.

Second-year defender Alyssa Wachniak (St. Albert, Alta.) believes this year's squad is ready to respond to increased opportunities on the field.

"With the number of new players on our team this year, there's a new excitement to start the season, as many girls are looking forward to playing their first official ACAC games as an Olds College Bronco," Wachniak said. "Our ability to feed off of each other's energy from both the returners' experience and the rookies' excitement. it has created an eagerness for us to start playing and strive for a successful year."

The Broncos boast strong depth in goal, with third-year keeper Kaia Galuska (Lake Country, B.C.) being joined by Keyano College transfer Delanie Berrette (Calgary, Alta.) and rookie Emily Holweg (Red Deer, Alta.)

On the back line, Wachniak is joined by fellow second-years Brynn Smith (Olds, Alta.), Tayla Trudzik (Whitecourt, Alta.) and Tatum Gower (Whitecourt, Alta.), with rookies Paige Douglas (Calgary, Alta.) and Payton McGonigal (Airdrie, Alta.) further solidifying the Broncos' defensive efforts.

Meanwhile, experience is the name of the game in the midfield headlined by fifth-year Jane Morris (Moose Jaw, Sask.) and fourth-year Morgan Tole (Medicine Hat, Alta.) being joined by Prairie College transfer Maria Luiza Couto Santos (Rio de Janeiro, BRA) and rookies Alyssa Keyes (Whitecourt, Alta.) and Amelia Chambers (Rocky Mountain House, Alta.)

Conversely, there will be a lot of youth in the Broncos' attack, with rookies Chloe Skoreyko (Edmonton, Alta.) and Jessie Haden (Airdrie, Alta.) being joined by returnee Jessie Kurek (St. Paul, Alta.)

"I think everyone is excited to be able to showcase their skills and use the opportunity to step up and make an impact for the team," Wachniak said. "Everyone's contribution matters more than ever this year, all the girls are fired up and ready to make a difference for the team."

The Broncos open their regular season in Camrose this afternoon against the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings at 1 p.m.

The Broncos are looking for big crowds this season, Wachniak said.

"I think the fans can expect big things from the Broncos this year, all the athletes are excited to showcase their skills and bring home championships this year," Wachniak said. "The fans are a crucial part of the game and help with the success of the teams."

Follow the Broncos across social media @OldsBroncos, and follow the Women's Soccer team on Instagram at broncos_wsoc.

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