A Coquitlam soccer player is expected to make her NCAA debut next season after signing a letter of intent with the Simon Fraser University Clan women’s team.
Nadia Hakeem was recruited from Mountain United FC and is expected to bolster the squad’s defence.
According to head coach Annie Hamel, Hakeem is a strong two-way player that is responsible in her own end. She was also named Mountain United ‘s 2015 player of distinction for her performance with the under-16 squad .
“Nadia is an important addition for us and our system of play,” said Hamel. “She is a smart defender who provides a constant attacking threat. She can beat players one-on-one, deliver crosses, and shoot from distance.”
Hakeem currently attends Gleneagle secondary, where she is a senior. She has also played for B.C.’s provincial squad in every age group since 2012.
“I look forward to her making an impact right away,” added Hamel. “She can change the game dynamic, open up the play and create for herself and others.”
Hakeem was one of five players signed by SFU last week.
She was joined by Mountain United teammates Mikayla Isobe and Hollis Roesk, along with Colby Knibbs and Claire Bareilles for the signing.
Hamel said that the new recruiting class will add depth to the team, which is looking to bolster its strong 2016 showing, where they made the GNAC championship for the first time in history.
“The rebuild is over in a way,” she said. “Now I look for results and I believe I have the pieces in place to succeed in that regard.”
@TriCityNews
