Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – There has been a lengthy history of standout centre-backs in MacEwan Griffins women's soccer history.

Kayla Evans. Jamie Erickson. Samantha Gouveia.

Just to name a few.

Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro actually draws comparisons to a current centre-back on the roster, though, when he talks about his latest recruit Selynna Simao.

"Selynna's cut from a similar cloth to Abbey Wright," he explained. "She's a very good 1v1 defender, strong in the air, reads the play really well. She will play a big role in our buildup phase out of the back. She's very good with the ball in her feet, sees the game like a quarterback. With our style of play, we need our centre-backs to get on the ball and make plays. Selynna is that kind of player.

"Her ability also to break up plays, stick tackles and block shots …she does all the little things right. If you're building a championship team, you need players who are willing to put it on the line every time they step on the field. Selynna is just such a gamer."

The 5-foot-1 Austin O'Brien high school product has played for Xtreme FC, the Alberta North Provincial team and Alberta REX in Edmonton. Last season, she captained the Millwoods-based Selects FC squad.

"Even on these top level teams, Selynna stands out," said Cordeiro. "She is such an impactful player, she never comes off the field."

Sounds familiar to the formula that Cordeiro has long employed with workhorse defenders leading the path to success.

"We've had some pretty decorated centre-backs over the years – Jamie Erickson, Sami Gouveia – and even before their time – Kayla Evans," said Cordeiro. "There's a certain quality that I look for in a defender.

"Selynna's just a winner, and does what it takes to help her team win. She'll be a big part of what we're building."