Claire Paterson has added a second Vernon recruit as Kirsten Dodds will join the UBC Okanagan Heat women’s soccer team this fall.
Dodds, a 5-foot-5 striker, will be looking to fill the vacant striker spot that has opened up after the graduation of fourth-year Emma Nixon, and departure to Sweden of National Player of the Year Alexa Kennedy.
Paterson has keenly watched the development of Dodds for a number of years and is excited to add a player of her ability.
“I first got the chance to work with Kirsten when she played with the U16 SYL (Super Y League) team I coached a few years ago,” said Paterson.
“I was very impressed with her prowess around the goal and I have been following her career ever since. I am looking forward to her becoming that goal-scoring, impact player for the Heat over the next few years.”
Dodds is a teammate with fellow Heat newcomer Michelle Smith on Okanagan FC of the Pacific Coast League. She has also been honing her skills in the Whitecaps FC Vernon Soccer Academy for the past five years.
Her impressive soccer resume also includes playing for the B.C. U16 team; an invite to the CSA national training centre west camp in 2009; an invite to play with the German Club FSV Höhenrain U17 team in 2007 and was a finalist in the Valtellina Cup in Italy.
Dodds has trained with the PGYSA Showcase Academy out of Prince George and accompanied them to the Western Canada Soccer Showcase.
“Three or four years ago I may not have picked UBCO as my first choice for university soccer,” said Dodds. “But having witnessed the growth and success of the team, under Claire’s leadership, especially this past season, it is definitely my first choice and I am so excited to be part of it.
“The mentality and togetherness of the team is awesome and I can’t wait for the season to get started.”
After graduating from Kalamalka Secondary, plans to study human kinetics at UBCO this September. She joins Smith and Taylor Venuti as the three recruits signed by the women’s soccer team to this point.
