As the 2023/24 men's college soccer season dawns, the NAIT Ooks men's soccer team is stepping onto the field with a mix of excitement and determination. The team is ready to bounce back after last season's heartbreak, where they clinched a silver medal at provincials but lost to the SAIT Trojans in extra time. Under the guidance of Coach Jeff Paulus, the Ooks are gearing up for a season that promises both challenges and opportunities.
Reflecting on the upcoming season, Coach Jeff Paulus commented, "As a staff, we are quite happy with where the team is at and our potential. We are essentially in a rebuild year as we look to replace a few significant players who have graduated from our program. In saying that, we are also extremely excited because we have a very deep roster that provides a lot of pace and will offer us a different way to play than how we did last season."
The aspirations for the season remain as ambitious as ever. "Since I was first coaching in this program in 2004, our aspirations were to make it to nationals," Coach Paulus stated. "Even with a new team, we feel the talent is there to be very competitive and certainly be able to play at a level that gives us an opportunity again this year."
The team is not shying away from introducing new blood. "This year, we will be adding fourteen new players," Coach Paulus confirmed. "While this can be challenging when you have very little time to find that chemistry within the team, the level of these players is quite high."
When asked about standout players among the newcomers, Coach Paulus emphasized his team-first philosophy. "I don't really like to identify one player over another in my squads as I believe that no player (or coach) is above the team. So, without saying too much, I will say that we have seen some fantastic training moments by several athletes."
The returning players hold a special place in the team's future. "While we have lost some significant members of the team," Coach Paulus acknowledged, "we feel that those returning provide us a great foundation to build around. They will provide leadership and carry on the traditions built within the program."
The team hits the field for their home opener on Saturday, September 9th, at 2:00 PM at the St. Albert Soccer Association.
With provincials co-hosted in Edmonton by King's University, Concordia University, and NAIT from October 26th to 28th and Nationals at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, from November 9th to 11th, the NAIT Ooks are prepared to give their all, embrace the challenges, and chase their dream of making it to nationals once again. The stage is set, and the Ooks are ready for a season filled with promise and potential.