Lethbridge's Julio Vega (Lethbridge College, Kodiaks Athletics)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge defender signs with Kodiaks men’s soccer team

Jul 8, 2021 | 11:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College’s men’s soccer team has added another name to its roster.

Defender Julio Vega has signed with the Kodiaks. The local athlete has experience with the Lethbridge Football Club and graduated from Catholic Central High School last month.

Head coach Sean Carey said Vega plays right defense and “he’s got some tenacity to his game and he’s a great team player.”

“I just enjoy watching how hard he works in training and I look forward to seeing him in our sessions and getting him to that next level.”

Vega said it’s a special feeling signing with the Lethbridge College club.

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“Starting my soccer career in Lethbridge, starting off with house league first, then club and now with the Whitecaps (‘Caps to College Academy’) and now to Lethbridge College is just amazing.”

He added that he’s no stranger to some of his new teammates.

“[Fellow Kodiaks recruit] Ryley Van Maanen, he’s been a childhood friend since we were classmates in elementary. So, it means a lot to see your teammates and one of your closest friends actually succeeding in their life and making it to this level as well.”

The Lethbridge star said he’s able to adapt to different playing styles.

“I mostly like playing in a possession-based system. I guess I can just adapt really quickly. Throughout my whole career I’ve been playing different styles. Now I’m just ready to adapt to play for Lethbridge College.”

Vega gives Lethbridge’s ‘Caps 2 College Academy’ coach Sam Heap a lot of credit for helping him improve on the field.

“He pushed me a lot. Honestly when I came into the Whitecaps Academy, I felt so underqualified in my abilities. Sam pushed me to become a better player.”

When classes begin in the fall, Vega will study in the college’s Engineering Design Technology program.