Cole Kingzett is joining the UBC-O Heat’s first class in Canada West for men’s soccer.
Kingzett is a Penticton product who played the last four years for Thompson Okanagan Football Club (TOFC) in the Super Y league and the recently formed BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL).
Heat head coach Dante Zanatta has had his eye on the 6-2, 170-pound Kingzett for a while now. Zanatta first noticed Kingzett when they crossed paths at the TOFC when Zanatta was a technical director. Kingzett has already had experience playing against the Heat men’s team. He impressed at 16 with an under-18 squad in their first matchup and was named man of the match by his coach.
“I’m very happy that Cole has committed to our school and our program,” said Zanatta in a team statement. “I’ve been tracking his progress over the last three years while he has been playing in the BCSPL.”
“My biggest strength is ball skill and control and I hope this, along with my positive attitude and work ethic will be greatly beneficial to the squad,” said Kingzett of what he brings.
As for being a part of the Heat’s jump from PACWEST to Canada West and Canadian Interuniversity Sport level competition, Kingzett added, “I am pretty confident I can adapt to the increased speed of the game.”
“Cole has a very good technical package with an eye in going forward and helping in the attack, which fits well into the style of soccer that we are developing at UBC-O,” said Zanatta, entering his fourth year with the men’s soccer program at UBC-O.
“I look forward in helping Cole develop into a very productive player in Canada West over his career,” he continued.
Also a strong academic in high school, Kingzett has already set a scholastic goal for himself with set sights on an academic All-Canadian achievement for his rookie season. Kingzett intends to study general sciences as he explores further career options for his post-university life.
Kingzett will join Summerland’s Ryan Jerry, another high school recruit inked by Zanatta out of the Southern Okanagan region.
