Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – For the fifth-straight season, multiple players from the MacEwan Griffins women's soccer team have been named to Canada West all-star teams.
Announced Friday, four Griffins were selected for their fantastic 2023 campaigns: Grace Mwasalla and Anneke Odinga are on the first all-star team for the second-straight season, while Hannah Supina earned a second team selection and Sabrina Alexander is a member of the Canada West All-Rookie team.
It's the eighth time out of nine seasons the Griffins have been in Canada West that they've had at least one all-star or all-rookie selection.
"That's very exciting," said head coach Dean Cordeiro. "I'm very happy for those players. They've had remarkable seasons for us. This team has really put themselves in a good place for lots of players to shine. I'm proud of the efforts of the entire team.
"Getting four all-stars is exciting, it's good to see them get a lot of love. I'm very happy for them."
Mwasalla was on pace for a record-breaking campaign after scoring eight goals in MacEwan's first eight games, before an injury suffered on Sept. 17 has kept her out ever since. She finished the campaign with eight goals and 11 points. Her five game-winning goals tied the program record set by Suekiana Choucair in 2016.
It's the third-straight season Mwasalla has been recognized by the conference after making the All-Rookie team in 2021, and the first team all-stars for both CW and U SPORTS last year.
"Grace was on record-breaking pace to break the all-time goals record," said Cordeiro. "It's too bad she sustained an injury because what her season could have ended up being would have been one for the ages.
"There is no question she is one of the best in the league. The games she did play this season, she was so impactful in all of them. Grace can make something happen out of nothing. With her phenomenal work rate, skill set, and athletic ability, she is magic to watch."
Odinga, who was a Canada West first team all-star and U SPORTS second team all-star last season, was again recognized on the CW first team after another outstanding season from her position out wide on the back line.
Beyond her contributions on both sides of the ball, her first career CW goal was the game-winner against Lethbridge on Oct. 15, a win which locked up first place in the Prairie Division for the Griffins.
"Anneke is one of the top defenders in all of U SPORTS," said Cordeiro. "She is such a weapon for us; impossible to beat defensively and joining the attack all game long with her blazing speed. Defenders are often overlooked for awards, so it's great to see Anneke's performance recognized and for her to continue receiving these accolades."
Supina was often the Griffins' best player on the field during the season, with incredible defending and magnificent through balls that constantly set the table for MacEwan's top forwards to work their magic. It's Supina's first all-star nod after she was named to the Canada West and U SPORTS All-Rookie teams in 2018.
"Hannah's been so consistent for us. Every game she brings incredible energy and effort, she is always prepared to give her best performance. I am thrilled to see her get this award," said Cordeiro.
Alexander is the seventh Griffins player to make the Canada West All-Rookie team after an incredible season that saw her break program rookie records for wins (8), GAA (0.63), save percentage (.813), minutes played (858:42) and longest shutout streak (306:04).
"Sabrina, in goal, she's been absolutely lights out – undefeated thus far this season and has had a record-breaking season for a freshman in goal. Her poise and maturity are exceptional, extremely impressive for a first-year athlete," said Cordeiro. "I'm very excited for her and just this whole team and what they have accomplished as a collective this season."
The Griffins will host Victoria in a Canada West quarter-final match on Saturday (12 p.m., Clareview Field, Canada West TV).
