The NAIT Ooks women's futsal team is on the brink of a thrilling challenge as they prepare to enter the ACAC Championship hosted by Portage College from March 8-10. Coming off an impressive second-place finish in the north division, the team, led by Head Coach Dhee Govender, is poised to make their mark on the championship stage.

Coach Govender expresses a fantastic outlook for the team as they head into the championship: "Our team is entering the championship with a fantastic outlook. The extended preparation time has truly benefited us, allowing us to come together and strengthen our strategies. We're feeling optimistic about our ability to present a formidable challenge to our opponents."

Despite being off competition for a while, the extra practice time has proven advantageous for the team. Coach Govender notes, "The break from competition has been advantageous, giving us the opportunity to recover from any injuries and focus on improving our tactical approach. Despite not training frequently, we've made significant progress in both measurable outcomes and our overall game plan."

The team's performance in the second tournament, securing their spot at the Championships, brings added optimism and excitement. Coach Govender reflects on the journey: "We came into the second weekend on the outside looking in, where at the time we thought only the top two teams qualified. What made me happy was we were resilient and kept improving through the competition, we continue to set high standards and aim to achieve them with belief, accountability, and togetherness."

Despite the championships being on the road, the familiarity with the Portage venue, where the first two tournaments were held, is seen as an advantage. Coach Govender adds a touch of humor, saying, "One advantage is knowing where and where not to eat hahaha. Jokes aside, it feels like a home away from home for us in the North. Familiarity with the venue, surfaces, and overall atmosphere provides a sense of comfort and enhances our preparation."

Heading into the weekend, Coach Govender emphasizes the team's positive mindset, unity, and unwavering belief in their abilities: "Overall, our team is heading into the championship weekend with a positive mindset, a strong sense of unity, and an unwavering belief in our abilities. We're ready to give it our all and showcase the progress we have made with our organization and hard work."

As the NAIT Ooks women's futsal team steps onto the championship stage, they carry the collective determination to make their presence felt. The Ooks start their journey tonight at 7:30 PM. Catch the action on ACACTV or Telus Optik TV Channel 1998.