Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – With some of the top defensive players on the Griffins women's soccer team graduating, head coach Dean Cordeiro cast a net across Canada to find his next potential star at the centre-back position.
His scouting attempts went all the way to Nova Scotia where he found exactly the player he's looking for.
Halifax's Kate Scholz will kick off a promising U SPORTS career with MacEwan in 2024-25.
"She's probably the top centre-back in her class in the Atlantic (region)," said Cordeiro. "She was a kid who went to a lot of these FTF events, which have been awesome for showcasing talent. She's ranked in the top 40 of players in any position in the incoming class out of those events."
The Halifax Dunbrack product is listed as the 39th-ranked recruit in FTF's 2024 girls rankings after being named the FTF 2023 Halifax Combine defensive MVP and the 2023 East Coast Elite Soccer Combine MVP.
A video highlight package posted nine months ago to YouTube shows her poise on the back line, winning 50-50 plays, controlling play, displaying deft passing and shutting down frenetic opposition attacks with a calm demeanour that belies her years.
"Kate Scholz is a very strong athlete which is important for the position," said Cordeiro. "Building through the units of play – she's very good on the ball and can help in distribution, which is an important piece. She's a 1v1 rock defender who does all the things you need from that position to win games. She's also very versatile and can play fullback if needed.
"We're excited about what Kate brings to the table. She had a lot of offers all over Canada and decided to be a Griffin. She is going to be a great fit with us."
