Solid addition Noble continues Griffins' recruiting pipeline with Calgary Blizzard
Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – With the rare ability to play with both feet and a versatility that comes with playing multiple positions in her youth, Nicole Noble is primed to find playing time sooner rather than later when she joins the MacEwan Griffins women's soccer team in the 2020 Canada West season.
Joining a growing number of Calgary Blizzard products at MacEwan – including current Griffins Sofia DiGiacomo, Rachel Cooper, Abbey Wright and Shanice Alfred – Noble is the latest member of head coach Dean Cordeiro's strong 2020 recruiting class. Blizzard teammate Grace Mwasalla is also on her way to MacEwan for her first Canada West season in the fall.
"Nicole is somebody who will step in and look to compete to get into our 18," said Cordeiro. "She's a top player, who comes from a top program in Calgary. We're attracting a lot of girls out of that program, which is exciting. We know she's in good hands with what Diogo (Raposo)'s doing in Calgary."
Noble is predominantly a left-footed player, but has the ability to play with both feet. She's played mostly as a left fullback, but has also played centre midfield in action with Blizzard and Notre Dame high school, where she was team captain.
"Nikki is a versatile player who can contribute at multiple positions at the U SPORTS level," said Raposo. "Her work rate and eagerness to get forward from outside back will give fits to opposing defenders."
That fits nicely with the type of players the Griffins have as they take away time and space all over the pitch.
"She's just extremely hard working, relentless in pursuit of the ball," said Cordeiro. "She exhibits strong 1 v 1 defending and fits our mold what we look for at the fullback position. We want very attack-minded players who really get involved in the attack.
"Those are the types of players we're looking for – complete players who fit into our system from both offensive and defensive standpoints. We're excited to see what Nicole can add."
