Griffins add offensive firepower with creative attacker Schimpf
Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Bolstering an already potent attack, the MacEwan Griffins women's soccer program added more firepower on Tuesday.
Head coach Dean Cordeiro introduced latest recruit Grace Schimpf – an offensively-gifted Spruce Grove product who will join the Griffins for the 2020 Canada West season.
"Grace is an extremely technical player," said Cordeiro. "She's also left-footed and has the versatility to play all over the park, whether it be at fullback, winger or as an attack-minded midfield player.
The 5-foot-3 dynamo is a creative dribbler with explosive pace.
"With graduating players, we have a couple openings in midfield. I think Grace is going to compete to get into the lineup sooner rather than later. We just love her ability to make things happen in the attacking third. With her relentless tenacity, Grace has shown the potential to dominate at every level she's played at."
Schimpf played her youth soccer with the Scottish United club, competing at nationals in 2016. She also won a provincial silver medal at the Premier level in 2019 with Futbol United.
"Grace took a year off school and has been accepted into our design program at MacEwan," explained Cordeiro. "She's a product of the Futbol United program, playing under the guidance of Asaph Fernandes. He's done an amazing job with her and she's become one of the most dominant offensive players in the Premier league here in the city."
Schimpf echoes Cordeiro's assessment of her abilities, describing herself as a versatile attacker, capable of playing wide and centrally in the midfield, fullback or forward positions.
"Grace is an example of what hard work, dedication and having a tireless passion for the game can result in," said Fernandes. "In youth, Grace dominated games offensively and she has continued that goal scoring ability in the Woman's Premier Division.
"There is no doubt in my mind being part of the Griffins under Dean's direction, along with instruction from her club team, gives Grace the opportunity to develop into even more of a dynamic player. It's been my privilege to coach Grace and watch the player and, most importantly, the person she's turning out to be."
