The Trinity Western Spartans women’s soccer team will be well represented this summer on the international stage as four players were named to Canada’s roster for the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russ.
The Games are run by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and are for university athletes. The 2013 Games are JUly 6 to 17.
The Spartans contingent includes goaltender Kristen Funk, defenders Colleen Webber and Jilian Dietrich and midfielder Natalie Boyd.
“To have those four selected to play for Canada is a testament to them as players for continuing to push to be the best they can be,” said Spartans coach Graham Roxburgh.
“All four of them had outstanding seasons with the Spartans and this is a great opportunity for them to cap off a wonderful year.”
For Funk, a first team all-Canadian in 2012 as well as a CIS tournament all-star, this will be her third time she has been named to Canada’s squad. She played in 2009 (Belgrade, Serbia) but had to miss the 2011 Games because of injury.
“I am so pleased for Kristen,” Roxburgh said. “After missing out on the chance to play in 2011, she now gets a great opportunity to cap off a brilliant career. Her experience and leadership will be valuable, and, having just finished two outstanding CIS campaigns, she will be an important part of this team.”
Similar to Funk, Dietrich, who was named a Canada West second team all-star in 2011, was also named to both the 2009 and 2011 teams. Again, like Funk, she too missed the 2011 event because of an injury.
“Jilian had an outstanding senior year with us at TWU, and her poise, attacking ability and overall consistency will make her a great asset for this team,” Roxburgh said.
“She is so often the unsung hero for the Spartans and I am delighted she has been honored with this selection.”
For Boyd, who was named a 2012 CIS second team all-Canadian and CIS tournament all-star, this will be her second time competing at the FISU Games, after representing Canada in 2011.
“Nat’s ability and work rate in the midfield are what caused me to pick her two years ago, and having already been to FISU, she will add experience and maturity to the group,” Roxburgh said.
Webber, who was a 2012 first team all-Canadian, will be donning the red and white for the first time at the Summer Universiade.
“Colleen has grown tremendously in the last two years, and I believe she is one of the most talented players in Canada West,” Roxburgh said.
“This will be a great opportunity for her to compete at the highest level and she has certainly proven she is ready for that challenge.”
