CARY MELLON
UBCO HEAT ATHLETICS
KELOWNA – After shepherding his team to an impressive run to the playoffs in their first season in Canada West, UBCO Heat men’s soccer coach Dante Zanatta has recruited a future keeper in Kelowna Secondary Owls’ Carson Murray.
The homegrown story of Murray’s athletic path began when he started playing youth soccer in Rutland. He went on to play for Kelowna United a year underage before switching leagues to the BCSPL on the Super Y Thompson Okanagan FC., with whom he played five years.
He was 13 when Zanatta first met him while working for BC Soccer.
“We have stayed in touch ever since and I have trained with Dante on several occasions,” said Murray.
Their connection also extends to coaching, as Murray has worked along Zanatta at the summer International Soccer Camps the last few years.
“Carson has the tools to be a standout in the CIS,” said Zanatta, “and we have been very interested in Carson since I have been at UBCO and are extremely happy that he committed to us.”
Zanatta added that he and his staff are stoked about helping Murray reach his full potential.
“Carson is a very coachable player. He is very athletic and willing to push to the next level and is very good with his feet and that is very important in our style of play.”
The 6-foot, 190-pound goaltender will bring a bevy of leadership and tactical ability despite his young age, which will serve him well in the net.
“I am also good at shot stopping and distribution out of the back,” he said.
A multi-sport athlete by trade, having been a provincial medalist in volleyball, Murray is eager to focus on soccer when coming to UBC Okanagan next fall.
“At this point I am very excited for the jump to university,” said Murray. “UBCO had a fantastic first season in the CIS. I have had the chance to train with the boys during the offseason and have known some of the players who have played in the BCSPL. I am eager to join the team.”
Murray will enroll in a Bachelor of Arts program and is also excited to explore his possible academic paths.
.“UBC Okanagan has a wide variety of courses to choose from,” he said.
He recognizes that the transition to CIS soccer will be tough, but is more than up to the challenge that the team’s second season in Canada West will bring.
“I am very excited for the upcoming season with the boys and I hope to make a great impact on the team.”
