Griffins add another star Saskatchewan product in SSA Youth Player of the Year Lavallee
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – The Griffins continue to attract some of the best women's soccer players in Saskatchewan.
After announcing the signing of the Saskatchewan Soccer Association's 2020 Youth Player of the Year Jaycee Krushelniski earlier this spring, head coach Dean Cordeiro has added the 2021 award winner to the fold as well.
Sophie Lavallee, who captured the prestigious honour at the SSA's end of season banquet, will join the Griffins for the 2022 Canada West season, Cordeiro announced Thursday.
Both will be reunited with former Saskatchewan REX teammates Renee DeCorby and Brenna Paquin on defending U SPORTS national champions.
"The Saskatchewan program has been very good to us," said Cordeiro. "They've done a great job developing these players. It's five hours away, so they can have a university experience away from home but not be too far away.
"Prairie kids are tough, both physically and mentally. The ones we have, we're super excited about – Brenna Paquin, Renee DeCorby – and now to add two more from that region is going to give us a nice little core. They'll all get to play together and grow. They are all pretty close friends, so it's a cool story."
Lavallee, who has been part of the Saskatchewan REX leadership group since her second season with the program and is now completing her fourth, has the ability to play midfield or forward and can create offence all over the pitch.
"Sophie is a highly-skilled, very technical footballer," said Cordeiro. "When the ball is at her feet, she can make things happen.
"She has great vision and ability to make final passes, break lines and get to those advanced platforms we look for when we're in our buildup phases."
Lavallee has a highly-decorated youth resume, including helping Team Saskatchewan win a bronze medal at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games and attending two Vancouver Whitecaps Super Rex combines. The 5-foot-9 attacker recently led her Holy Cross high school team to an undefeated season and provincial championship.
"Sophie's a very cerebral player who has high soccer IQ," said Cordeiro. "We're excited by what she brings to the table, and her ability to make the players around her better. Sophie will look to come in and contribute right out of the gate."
