EDMONTON, Alta – The NAIT Ooks women's soccer team, led by their new head coach, Jeff Paulus, takes on Concordia University this weekend in their home opener. This season, the NAIT Ooks soccer teams have a new home; they will play all games out of Edmonton Scottish in Ellerslie. The home opener starts at 2:00 PM on field one.

Last season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; when asked how the year off will affect his team, Paulus said, "I was pleasantly surprised with the overall level of the team from day one. Our sport was fortunate in there being club soccer all summer. Since the beginning of June, most of our athletes have been playing, so we haven't suffered the same long break due to Covid. I would say that yes, overall, our team has returned with a good fitness level." The ACAC has deemed this season a transition back to play with a reduced schedule,

Paulus said the competition in the North Division is strong, but his team is up for the task "we feel that after two preseason wins against tough opponents, we have as good a chance as anyone to be competing for a provincial title. The roster is a nice mix of experience and first-year players, and most importantly, we are coming together as a team."

There isn't just one player that makes the team stand out; it is a team effort, says Paulus, "I believe that the strength of the team is the depth of talent on the roster. We have strength throughout the lineup, and instead of signaling out one or two, I would say that the ability of our entire squad to possess and move the ball is what could make the team special."

The NAIT Ooks women's team will play their second home game on Sunday, September 26th, at 4:00 PM against the Lakeland College Rustlers.