Jana Yates dreamed of playing for a Division 1 college in the U.S.
Things didn’t quite work out like the Summerland native hoped, but playing for the Victoria Highlanders in the United Soccer League is proving she has the talent to reach that level.
“A lot of those girls play for those top universities in the U.S.,” said Yates. “Even though I didn’t reach that D-1 level, I’m still in that same pool.”
Prior to joining the Highlanders, Yates played for the Middle Georgia College Warriors then Auburn University Montgomery Warhawks in Alabama in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. While it wasn’t a bad experience, it just wasn’t the big show. With the Warhawks, Yates was voted to the All-Southern States Athletic Conference women’s soccer team and Lady Senators recipient of the Musco Lighting Champion of vharacter award given to an athlete who shows respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
In Victoria, Yates’ experience with the Highlanders almost didn’t happen. Ready to pack up and leave Vancouver Island to play in Kelowna, Highlanders coach Dave Dew, also an assistant coach with the UVic Vikes, noticed her while she trained with the university team and gave her a tryout. Yates decided to give it a shot and wound up playing nine games.
“She did quite well considering it was such a high step up for all the players except a couple,” said Dew. “Though she didn’t get into every game, she was pretty much dressed in most and did really well coming off the bench.”
Yates, a first-year engineering student at UVic, chalked up her rookie season as an eye-opener. The experience gave her confidence that she can still grow.
“There is a lot more players out there with more experience and a lot to learn from,” said Yates.
Dew, who coached the Highlanders to a 1-10-3 record in its first season in the W-League, likes how Yates is on the ball and the confidence she displays.
“She’s not afraid to take people on one-on-one,” he said. “What we found when she first came here was that she liked to play centrally. Because of the needs of the team, I needed someone with a left foot that could play on the outside. She started to fill that role quite well.”
Dew sees more growth in store for Yates. While she can’t play this season because she transferred from another school, she will start practising fulltime, in January as the Vikes season ends in November. Being in an environment that allows her to train four to five times a week will help her into next summer. He sees sound decision-making on her part and the ability to score from a distance. With the Highlanders, Dew see Yates helping with their wing play in an attacking midfield role.
“She has a good work ethic,” he said. “I really liked her attitude towards the game. She is quick. Is smaller, has a great competitive attitude. Doesn’t back down.”
The main downside to Yates’ experience in the USL is she didn’t feel ready to play at that level.
“Everything was a learning experience for me,” said the 21-year-old.
Now she feels faster. The speed of the game and intensity was new to her.
“I’m very glad that I stayed and played the season with the Highlanders,” said Yate. “I’m looking forward to next year already.”
