Olds College Sports Information
September 7, 2023

In making their last stand in the 2022 campaign, the Olds College Broncos women's soccer team made it clear they weren't going to be pushed around over the course of 90 minutes.

Now, the Broncos will look to take the next step as they begin their 2023 regular season on the road this weekend, kicking off the season against the Medicine Hat College Rattlers on Saturday at 2 p.m., then making the trip across the AB-3 to battle the Lethbridge College Kodiaks on Sunday at noon.

With head coach Allan Siwela back for a second season on the sideline, nine Broncos return from last year's squad, including the team's two ACAC South All-Conference selections in defender Kassidy Kelly (Airdrie, Alta.) and forward Tiona Paton (Morinville, Alta.), who finished third in the ACAC with 16 goals last season.

In Paton's view, this year's edition of the Broncos has come together well over the course of their August training camp.

"From day one, our team has been amazing towards one another, helping each other out on and off the pitch," she said. "We have some funny characters and bold personalities, which keeps things interesting. Honestly, every person brings something different to the team, and there is never a dull moment."

The Broncos are coming off a 5-5-2 regular season that saw them go into an ACAC Championship play-in game against the then-reigning champion SAIT Trojans, falling 2-1 in a hard-fought contest that Paton believes can be a turning point in the direction of the program.

"Heading into that play-in game, we knew it was going to be one of, if not the, hardest game we played that season," she said. "I think lots of people underestimated our team that game, but with how well we played, I think that helped us gain more respect."

Along with Paton and Kelly, a number of familiar faces return in important spots, with Kaia Galuska (Lake Country, B.C.) back in goal, Alex Fortney (Red Deer, Alta.) and Shelbee Stebanuk (Calgary, Alta.) joining Kelly on the back line and Kami Tams (Taber, Alta.) patrolling the midfield in support of Paton and wing Mirtalem Vriend (Calgary, Alta.), while Sadie Nygaard (Devon, Alta.) will provide a speed boost as an attacking midfielder.

Rounding out the returning Broncos is fourth-year midfielder Jane Morris (Moose Jaw, Sask.), who saw her season limited to just three games due to injury.

The Broncos were also busy on transfers as they secured commitments from Jessie Kurek (St. Paul, Alta. / Northwestern Polytechnic) and Morgan Tole (Medicine Hat, Alta. / Medicine Hat College), while also injecting some local flavour with Olds High School product Brynn Smith and returning Olds Koinonia graduate Anna Harper (Carstairs, Alta.), while also having a familiar face in midfielder Jayna Espie-Sanderson (Edmonton, Alta.) return to the program after last playing in the 2019-20 season.

"It's nice to see the returning players back this year as we are a very strong and close group," Paton said. "Having new players coming in and seeing the hard work they're putting in at training and exhibition games while keeping a positive attitude has been amazing and definitely motivating for the returning players."

On the eve of the start of the regular season, Paton is optimistic about the potential of both Broncos soccer teams.

"The fans can expect more intensity and eagerness on the pitch," she said. "I think it will be a great year for both teams. We are all super excited, and we hope to see each and everyone of you in the stands cheering us on."

The Broncos return to Richardson Pioneer Field next weekend to face SAIT in their home opener on Saturday, September 16 at noon, where the first 100 fans on-site will get a free hot dog and beverage courtesy of Mountain View Health and Wellness. Following the home opener, the Broncos will welcome the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings on Sunday at noon.

The Edmonton Soccer Dome will provide the backdrop for the 2023 ACAC Women's Soccer Championship from October 26-28, with the winner travelling to the Maritimes as Holland College will play host to the 2023 CCAA Women's Soccer National Championship in Summerside, P.E.I. from November 8-11.

We encourage you to follow the Broncos across social media @OldsBroncos, and the Broncos women's soccer team on Instagram @broncos_wsoc.