Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Crafty and creative are words that aptly describe Griffins women's soccer recruit Jyla Micael Erandio.
With the rare ability to dribble in a phonebooth – to steal a hockey stickhandling prospect trait – her fantastic footwork is only matched by an elite soccer IQ that shows up repeatedly when you watch the highlight videos she's uploaded to her recruiting profile.
Video shows her juking out multiple defenders, finessing passes across the field, scoring in multiple ways, and generally fooling the opposition over and over.
"Jyla's technical ability is really something special," said Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro. "She is 'wow' on the ball."
The only setback: Erandio is still getting back up to speed after an illness and is unlikely to play for the Griffins in 2023, but figures to be an important part of the squad in the future.
However, the 5-foot-2 dynamo will be must-see TV whenever she makes her Canada West debut.
"Every time the ball's at her feet, you're on the edge of your seat." said Cordeiro. "She can change the complexion of a game in a split second.
"She's a very gifted attack-minded player – very good on the dribble, amazing skill-set with the ability to score and create for others. We're very excited to add Jyla to our program."
The forward out of Mother Margaret Mary Catholic high school played for the St. Albert Impact in the UWS last year and was also a member of Team Alberta for the 2022 Canada Summer Games, along with Griffins Amelia Russo, Bryn Mortensen, Hannah Harper and Brynn Hobal.
Erandio played her youth soccer with Edmonton Scottish and made her debut in the Alberta Major Soccer League at the age of 12 with the Edmonton Scottish Angels; the youngest player in league history.
She was a member of Alberta REX in 2019-20 and represented Alberta at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games, on the same team as Griffins goalkeeper Toni Gill.
Other highlights on her resume include being part of the ISFA national girls U18 Seven-A-Side tournament champions and receiving a prestigious scholarship to join the Mount Kelley College Chelsea Foundation program in England – both at age 16.
