Lightning-quick Calgary Foothills scorer Bzeta set to boost Griffins' offensive ability from the wing
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – A decorated track athlete and Calgary city champion in cross country running, the latest recruit announcement in Dean Cordeiro's 2025 class has the ability to flip the lid off the top of opposing defences.
Winger Kalia Bzeta helped lead Calgary Foothills to a U17 national championship in 2024. Next season, she will be putting heat on Canada West opponents.
"When you talk about speed and pace, there might not be anybody faster than Kalia," said Cordeiro. "She is lightning quick. Her ability to create opportunities for others from wide areas is going to be an asset to the team.
"We wanted to add some strong pieces that can exploit wide areas and make things happen and that's what Kalia does. She's a dynamic player who separates very well, drives to the net and finds her teammates. She scores a lot of goals, but the number of assists she piles up is equally impressive."
Bzeta, who has also been a part of three-straight provincial champions with Calgary Foothills, was that club's second-leading scorer last season.
"She's a player who will make strong contributions Year 1 and we're excited about that," said Cordeiro.
On the track, Bzeta has won medals in the 200m, 400m and 600m (and high jump), while consistently being among the fittest players on her team.
She, like previously-announced recruit Hannah Corrigan, will provide the requisite pace from wide areas needed to put opponents under pressure.
"It opens up the middle and that's a big key," said Cordeiro of unlocking the wing. "We wanted to get a little bit bigger and little bit faster. I think we've accomplished that. We really put an emphasis on speed from the wide areas and you're going to see a team with wingers and fullbacks that are maybe some of the fastest players in the league.
"Kalia is a really crafty player, so intelligent and skillful. Her speed will definitely be an asset, but she really is a total package player."
