Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Three members of the MacEwan Griffins women's soccer team were honoured for spectacular seasons by being named to Canada West all-star and all-rookie teams on Friday.
Samantha Gouveia and Meagan Lemoine earned spots on the conference's first all-star team, while Grace Mwasalla made the all-rookie lineup.
Gouveia, the Griffins' captain in her fifth and final year at MacEwan, had a huge impact at both ends of the field. The centre-back led MacEwan's stingy back line as they allowed only 10 goals against in 12 games, tied for third-best in the conference.
Offensively, Gouveia also chipped in with three goals and five points in 12 games. Amazingly, considering she's made major contributions in every season since first getting to MacEwan in 2016, Gouveia is making an all-star team for the first time.
"She's always been an impactful player for us," said Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro. "She really sets the standard for our team. She's a rock defensively and plays with such composure, but she contributes offensively as well. Her development as a player and a leader has been incredible to watch.
"I'm so happy to see her to get this recognition," he added. "She has worked so hard to get to this point; it's awesome to see it all come together for her."
Samantha Gouveia came up big both offensively and defensively for the Griffins in 2021.
Lemoine became a first-team all-star for the first time in her career after netting a Canada West second team nod in 2019.
She produced four goals and six points in 12 games for the Griffins in 2021, but her season was extra special as she broke the program record for most career Canada West regular season goals and hit 20 last Saturday in Calgary.
"I'm so proud of Meagan," said Cordeiro. "She's grown so much within our program, has made those adjustments and continues to get stronger and stronger. Scoring 20 goals and setting the program mark for the career most goals in the maroon and white at MacEwan is impressive."
It's even more impressive considering she's regularly been shuffled between defensive and offensive roles.
"We still see it this season with her jumping from fullback to winger depending on games," said Cordeiro. "She's just that talented of an individual that we use her in so many different roles and she still goes out there and just dominates in whatever spot she's in.
"I'm super happy for her and it's a well-deserved honour to get her first Canada West first team nod."
Meagan Lemoine earned a first-team all-star nod for the first time in her career.
Mwasalla had a terrific season, tying the program record for most points by a rookie in a Canada West season when she closed with five goals and eight points in 12 games. Those totals included a goal and an assist in MacEwan's division-clinching 3-0 win over Calgary last Saturday.
"Her poise and determination and the amount of energy she brings every single time she's on the pitch is something unseen for a first-year player," said Cordeiro. "She really does play with veteran savvy. Any time she's on the pitch, it's exciting. She can make something happen. She has been, especially lately for us, so I'm incredibly proud of what she's been able to do in her first campaign with the Griffs."
Grace Mwasalla tied the program record for most points by a rookie in a Canada West season.