(L to R): Olivia DePasquale, Taylor Hrycun, Joel McLeod, and Brian Sure of the Lethbridge College Kodiaks soccer teams have all won ACAC soccer awards, October 27, 2022. (Photo: Kodiaks Athletics)

By Justin Goulet

Four Kodiaks receive ACAC soccer awards

Oct 28, 2022 | 10:44 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Multiple Lethbridge College Kodiaks soccer players have been recognized by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).

The ACAC handed out its 2022 soccer awards on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

The awards banquet was held at the Val Matteotti Gymnasium at Lethbridge College. The event served as a kick-off to the 2022 ACAC Soccer Championships in Raymond this weekend.

Four Kodiaks were named to the ACAC All-Conference team.

Midfielder Olivia DePasquale and defender Taylor Hrycun were selected from the Kodiaks women’s soccer team. Defender Joel McLeod and midfielder Brian Sure were chosen from the Kodiaks men’s team.

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On the women’s side, DePasquale earned her second straight ACAC All-Conference selection. The team captain scored five goals and dished out eight assists in 12 games.

Sean Carey, head coach of both the men’s and women’s soccer teams, referred to DePasquale as “so consistent.”

He said, “The coaches around the league are aware of her, and they’ve mentioned to me how much they love to watch her play. It shows she’s made a big impact on this league.”

Carey added, “She’s shown great leadership with our younger group of girls, making sure they stay focused on what our main goal is this year. I consider myself lucky to be able to coach Olivia through her schooling.”

Taylor Hrycun is a newcomer to the Kodiaks. She played her three previous post-secondary seasons with The King’s University in Edmonton. She scored three goals and had three assists through 11 games.

Carey commented, “I’ve said from the beginning of the season that Taylor [Hrycun] is one of the best centre-backs we’ve ever had at Lethbridge College.”

“This girl is all-star all the time. She’s a leader, she demands a lot from her back line and her teammates, and that’s what leaders do. She’s been a rock back there for us. She’s physical, she can distribute the ball and she has a cannon of a shot. I just love her game.”

On the men’s side, Joel McLeod was also named the South Division Rookie of the Year. The centre-back from Medicine Hat started the season as a walk-on player for the Lethbridge College team.

Sean Carey said, “Joel [McLeod] had probably the best first year season I’ve ever seen.”

Carey added, “He’s got that air of confidence and organization about him. He’s just a pleasure on and off the field, and I’m so glad he was recognized. He was our player of the year, and I’m glad the other coaches across the ACAC saw that as well.”

Brian Sure also impressed during his rookie campaign, scoring two goals and recording three assists in 10 games. Carey said, “He’s one of those players who impacts the game anywhere you play him.”

The coach noted, “We’ve had him at central midfield, we’ve had him at defense, and he just finds a way to be in the play. He scored a wonder goal at Ambrose to win our first game of the season. He’s had such a consistent season and he’s such a great person to be around as well.”

The Kodiaks host the 2022 ACAC Soccer Championships at Comet Stadium in Raymond from Friday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30, 2022.

READ MORE: College and university sports preview: October 28, 2022

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