Two St. Albert natives will be packing their bags for Shenzhen, China this summer to represent Canada at the 2011 Universiade Games.
Carleigh Miller and Keshia Wallin, who both played for the Pandas’ soccer team in the CIS this year, were named to the women’s soccer team roster along with 18 athletes from across Canada.
Miller, who was the Pandas’ leading scorer in the CIS with 11 points, was named to the squad for the first time. The chance to represent her country on the international stage is an opportunity she will relish.
“It’s quite an honour because I have never participated in an international event. So being able to represent the country will be quite an experience for myself, especially going to China and everything,’ said Miller.
For Keshia Wallin it will be her second trip to the world-class event. Her first time was in 2009 when Canada finished seventh at the games in Serbia. A more experienced roster including herself, who was named the University of Alberta’s top female athlete, leads her to believe the squad will be more successful this time around.
“We have most of the same coaching staff, so they already know heading into the games what we need to do. I think from the players that they have chosen we will definitely have a chance of placing higher at these games,” said Wallin.
With a pool in the round robin that features China, Great Britain and Taiwan, the Canadian squad will have to be in top form if they hope to advance to the medal rounds. With her experience on the international stage, along with other veterans on the team, Wallin hopes some of the younger players will let them use their own knowledge to help in their development.
“I will be more involved with the team. I’m most likely going to be part of the leadership of this team. So being a fifth year I already have some knowledge of what the games will be like when we get there, so I can help guide the new players. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get to China,” said Wallin. One those players will be her CIS teammate Miller. The third-year player will be entering her last year with the team in the fall upon the completion of her nursing degree. Miller sees the games’ experience as an advantage she will have over her opponents in the fall.
“I think this year was a real learning opportunity for me in the CIS and it was a really good year,” said Miller. “I think next year will be my best year because it will be my last. Hopefully it will allow me to be a better leader as well as a more confident player.”
The games will also mark the last time Wallin will suit up and play at the university level in soccer. After being named a CIS First Team All Canadian and the Canadian West player of the year, Wallin is happy she will go out on top.
“It’s been wonderful. It’s been everything I have ever asked for. It’s a great way to go out being a five-year varsity athlete. I couldn’t have asked for anything else and I’m really happy to cap off my soccer career being named to Team Canada,” said Wallin.
The games will run from Aug. 11 to 21.
