In the opinion of coaches and peers alike, few players patrolled the blue line in Canadian university women’s hockey this season with more poise and consistency than UBC’s Sarah Casorso.
The Kelowna native has been rewarded for a solid 2013-14 campaign by being named a CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) first team all-star.
Casorso, who turns 22 this week, led all Canada West defenders in scoring with six goals and 13 assists, and helped lead the Thunderbirds to the regular season conference title.
Casoro was humbled by the her first-team selection, which was announced last week at the CIS awards banquet in Fredericton.
“It’s definitely a great honour,” said Casorso, in her fourth season with the T’Birds. “To be able to represent my family, school and teammates with this award, it really feels great.”
UBC head coach Graham Thomas said the Kelowna Minor Hockey grad has been a big asset to the Thunderbirds’ program and is most deserving of the recognition.
“Sarah’s been an absolute pleasure to coach and to have on our team, both as a player and as a person,” said Thomas. “She is one of the most competitive people I’ve ever worked with—she brings that to the rink and makes her teammates better. She’s an offensive defenceman, that can play defence but also rush the puck and makes plays. Sarah’s also developed into a really good leader.”
For Casorso, her growth as one of the top players on the both T’Birds and in the country, is a product of experience.
“I think each year my understanding of the game gets a little better and my confidence grows, too,” she said. “I’m a high energy player, but I’ve also learned to stay calm in certain situations so that has helped me too. Experience counts for a lot.”
Casorso looks forward to returning for her fifth and final season with the T’Birds in 2014-15.
The 21-year-old Kelowna product also expects to complete her degree next year in English Literature.
