Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – The ability to take away time and space on the pitch is a hallmark for elite defensive players at the Canada West women's soccer level.
Introducing a key piece to his team's future shutdown ability, Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro announced fullback/central midfielder Alysha Willisko is joining her Sherwood Park Phoenix teammates on the Griffins as part of his 2021 recruiting class.
She brings a tenacious style to the field that will fit in well with Cordeiro's high-energy troops already in the fold.
"Alysha's a very determined, physically fit and strong player," said the Griffins bench boss. "We're super excited about what she brings to the fullback position, as well as central midfield. She just has an amazing engine; a requirement for our fullbacks."
Willisko can also produce offence and could be a potential weapon for MacEwan on set pieces in the future.
"Alysha's very good at reading the play, and choosing the right moments to jump in," said Cordeiro. "She can contribute offensively. Her crosses from wide areas are excellent.
"For her youth team, she took a lot of corner kicks and set pieces as well. We know she's very good on the ball. She's also got a great attitude, just cut from that cloth of amazing leadership, teamwork, and hard work."
And if that seems familiar, it's because her older sister Kaitlin previously played for the Griffins. Another connection for her is in the 2021 recruiting class; Sherwood Park Phoenix teammates Toni Gill (read about her here) and Jayda Mitchell (read about her here) will also be Griffins next season. Current Griffin Alyx Henderson, who joined MacEwan this season, also played for the Phoenix.
"For me, they're one of, if not the, top program in the 2003 age group," said Cordeiro. "They really did a great job developing these athletes. Andreas Shilin, their coach, has a proven track record working with and developing youth players.
"It's always cool when you have a group of recruits from one club. I think it just leads to instant chemistry when these girls have been playing together for many years. To be able to continue to play together at the next level is pretty special."
