Graduating Seniors Q&A: Lots on the line for Griffins as five seniors play in final home regular season game

Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – With multiple playoff scenarios still in play heading into the final weekend of the Canada West women's soccer season, the simplest is right in front of them.

The Griffins women's soccer team will finish second in the Prairie Division and host an opening round playoff game if they beat Alberta on Saturday and Mount Royal loses to undefeated division leader Calgary on Sunday.

Entering Saturday's match vs. the Pandas (12 p.m., Clarke Stadium, Canada West TV), the Griffins (8-3-2) trail MRU (9-3-1) by two points for second. 

Should MacEwan lose or tie, however, they are vulnerable to Saskatchewan (7-4-1), who trail them by four points with a game in hand, but can get a possible six this weekend vs. Regina and make a push to steal the Griffins' third place position. Fourth in the Prairie Division would have to visit UBC in the first round, a squad that hasn't lost a match since 2023.

With those stakes and that backdrop, the Griffins will be extra motivated as five graduating seniors play their final regular season home game.

Grace Mwasalla, Raeghan McCarthy, Alyx Henderson, Anneke Odinga and Nikki Brodeur will be feted following Saturday's game.

"Seeing them mature from kids just out of high school to the amazing female student-athletes and leaders that they've become and everything they've meant for our program, it's going to be an emotional day," said Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro. "We're really excited and we've got lots to play for. We're hoping Senior's Day will kick off a long playoff run for the weeks to come after."

Mwasalla is the Griffins' all-time leading goal scorer (36 – a mark that's also in the Canada West top-10 all-time) and is also 13^th in conference history in points with 51.

Odinga is the only Griffins student-athlete to be named to the Canada West first all-star team three-straight times.

McCarthy has 10 career game-winning goals, which is in the top 10 in Canada West all-time, while her shots (170) and shots on goal (90) are both second in program history.

Henderson is third in program history with 33 career points and is currently tied for second in Canada West in assists this season with six.

Brodeur is in the top 10 in program history for career goals (11) and points (18).

"This will be one of the best graduating classes we've ever had," said Cordeiro. "We've had a couple just truly remarkable senior classes that have left a legacy at MacEwan like no other. This group, I say that because they climbed the mountain back in 2021 and won a U SPORTS national championship. That's not easy to do. That's why I hold them in such high regard."

Enjoy a Q&A with each graduating senior below …

Nikki Brodeur is in the top-10 in program history in both career goals (11) and career points (18) (Taylor Lafond photo).

NIKKI BRODEUR

Dean Cordeiro's coach's quote:

"Brody's been so clutch throughout her career. She played such an important role when won a national championship in 2021, scoring the goal to punch our ticket and getting an assist in that game. Much like some of the others, she's had an injury she's had to overcome. Over a five-year career, there's a lot of games played and a lot of knocks, bumps and bruises. Brody brings it every single day. She's scored some of the biggest goals in our program history. Whenever she's on the pitch, she makes things happen. Smart, cerebral player – when the ball's at her feet, she is dangerous, her quality in and around goal is so good."

Q&A with Nikki Brodeur:

What are you graduating with and when?

"Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and my minor is Sociology. And I'm graduating this fall."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"Nothing definite yet. Thinking of going into Sports Psychology or in the Criminology sector. I did a Forensics Psychology class that I really enjoyed, so maybe something in that. But I haven't exactly decided yet. I know I'll have to probably take a Masters."

Do you have plans to keep playing soccer?

"I think if opportunities come along, then yes. I was thinking of maybe possibly playing abroad somewhere, but I haven't done the work to see yet."

What stands out as some of your favourite memories over your time with the Griffins?

"Definitely winning nationals would be the best memory of them all. It was the best feeling I've ever had with soccer, which is amazing."

And maybe that's the biggest goal you've ever scored – in the Canada West bronze medal game to punch your ticket to nationals?

"Yeah, that is one of my favourite goals that I've scored. But also, there's one against Lethbridge. Our old teammate Nicky Noble crossed it to me and it was a diving header. I thought it was pretty sick because I didn't know I could do that."

Nikki Brodeur's diving header in an 8-0 rout over Lethbridge in 2022 was her favourite goal she ever scored for the Griffins (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

You've come back from an injury that cost you a season. How proud are you of yourself that you could come back to this level?

"I'm proud that I could go from not being able to walk to coming back to being at the same level I was at before. It's amazing. It's a lot of work and it took a lot of time, but I'm glad I could get back to being as good as I can be."

What is your legacy here? How will people remember you as you leave the program?

"I hope they just remember me as a fun teammate, someone everyone enjoys being around. And that even though I'm gone, they can always reach out. We'll always be a family."

Anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"It's been an amazing time. It's been the best five years of my life. Honestly, it goes by so quick. It's so crazy that it's over already. It feels like I just started. I'm just very grateful for the girls and everything they've done for me. The team has always been there for me through the ups and downs."

Team captain Anneke Odinga is the only Griffins student-athlete ever to be named to the Canada West first all-star team in three-straight seasons (Taylor Lafond photo).

ANNEKE ODINGA

Dean Cordeiro's coach's quote:

"There's no better fullback, defending player in this whole conference. Annie sets the bar extremely high. We couldn't be prouder of everything she's accomplished and the leader she's become, being our captain these past two years. She's just been a driving force. She wears her heart on her sleeve and leaves it out there on the pitch every time she plays. She's not the most vocal player on the pitch, but she doesn't need to be because she sets the tone day in and day out with how she plays. As a captain, it's your role to help the younger players, and she does it naturally with her performance. What a career she's had."

Q&A with Anneke Odinga:

What are you graduating with and when?

"I'm majoring in Criminology and minoring in Anthropology. Bachelor of Arts."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I want to play professionally in soccer and I still do eventually, but I think I'll go back to school for business and look into sports management or anything in that realm."

That was my next question, what kind of plans do you have to keep playing soccer?

"Obviously, now I'll be looking at it a little bit differently (after a recent injury). So, I think that's my next goal is getting back on the field and playing pro. Hopefully that can happen."

What are some of your favourite memories over your time with the Griffins?

"Obviously 2021, the U SPORTS national championship. But I feel like some of my favourite memories come from just being at the training field every day. I love going to training, seeing my best friends. That's where I laugh the most. And the Hawaii trips, obviously."

Do you have a particular goal or assist that stand out to you?

"Scoring the goal vs. Regina was pretty awesome. I don't usually get to score too much. That one or my penalty kick vs. Calgary because I thought that electric (in 2024). My favourite assist would have to be versus Calgary this year and I dribbled all the way from our end and Brynn Hobal smashed it into the back of the net."

GOAL��
Brynn Hobal strikes again!
Off a tremendous run up the field by @MacEwanGriffins' Anneke Odinga, Hobal puts in the rebound for her third of the season to tie the score 1-1 with @UCDinos late in the first half.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/tA6MP3cJMA

— MacEwan Griffins Women's Soccer (@Griffins_WSOC) September 21, 2025

You were named a Canada West first team all-star three years in a row, which has never been done by another Griffins student-athlete. What does that accomplishment mean to you?

"It means a lot. I didn't know I was the first one to get three in a row. I'm really proud of myself for being able to stay consistent and be able to get that recognition from the other coaches in the league. Can't do it without the other 10 people on my team, so I think it's a whole team thing, as well."

And you won MacEwan Female Athlete of the Year last season across all sports. What did that mean to you?

"That was awesome. I never though in a million years being a defender that I'd ever reach that accomplishment. The one thing my dad said to me because I come from a family of athletes is 'no one else in the family has done that.' To me, that set in stone that it was a really big accomplishment. It's framed at the house. I feel very proud of myself the most for that one. Not many can say they won Female Athlete of the Year."

What's your legacy here as you graduate from the program?

"I hope I'm able to leave this program better than when I found it. I hope I made a positive impact. I hope when people think about me or remember me it was always that I was able to lift the team and bring positivity day-in and day-out. I just want to remembered as a really good friend and a good leader."

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"I'm so thankful for my five years at MacEwan. I was never supposed to sign here. I ended up being a walk on in 2021. I'm very thankful for my decision to call up Dean one day and ask if I could come be a Griffin. That decision alone set me up for the best five years of my life so far. I love the Griffins."

Alyx Henderson is third in the program's Canada West history in career points (33), tied for second in goals (20), tied for third in assists (13) and is tied for sixth in shots (114) (Taylor Lafond photo).

ALYX HENDERSON

Dean Cordeiro's coach's quote:

"What Alyx has been able to accomplish is remarkable, but we haven't been surprised by any of it. Alyx has been one of the major contributors on this team the last few years. She's currently second in the conference in assists, and that's after she missed a couple games with an injury. Alyx is just so good at what she does, putting the ball in the back of the net herself, which we've become accustomed to over the years. But this season she has been providing service at another level as well, reflected in the brilliant assists she's been producing. We're so happy  she decided to come back for her last year. She's just been outstanding."

Q&A with Alyx Henderson:

You've graduated but returned for your fifth season of eligibility. What did you graduate with?

"Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology."

You're taking a few more classes now. Are they helping further your education?

"I'm taking three. One of them is Indigenous Peoples in Canada course. I need it for the Masters program I'm applying to."

What are you going to be taking for your Masters?

"Masters as a Physician Assistant. So, I'm applying to Calgary, Sask and Manitoba right now."

Do you have plans to keep playing soccer?

"I don't think so. Just for fun."

This it it?

"Yeah."

How glad are you that you came back for your fifth year?

"Really glad. Last year when I said I was done, I didn't take Senior Day as seriously. It wasn't as emotional for me. But this year, knowing I'm not coming back, it's hitting different, for sure. It's a little bit more sentimental. But I'm really glad I came back for my fifth year. I feel it would be wrong to walk away with a year left."

What are some of your favourite memories that stand out from your time with the Griffins?

"Obviously winning nationals my rookie year. That's the biggest one. That was a crazy dream."

You're third all time in points in the program's Canada West history. What does it mean to be among the best players in program history?

"That's also really cool – something I never imagined, so it's surreal to be in that position. I couldn't have done it without all my teammates. Just feeling blessed and happy that I came back for another year to do that."

This season is among your best – you're right up with the league leaders in assists (tied for second currently). 

"That's really cool. It's nothing I've done before, so that was a cool moment to see I am one of those players in league. I've never seen myself as that before."

GOAL��
Raeghan McCarthy comes up huge again in the second half with a terrific run and strike in the 61st to put @MacEwanGriffins up 2-1 on @UCDinos.
Huge assist for Alyx Henderson on an incredible cross.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/dD2nYOydpi

— MacEwan Griffins Women's Soccer (@Griffins_WSOC) September 21, 2025

What's your legacy with the Griffins? How will you be remembered?

"I hope just kind and that they always remember me as someone they come and talk to when they need help. Just being that friend that everyone can look up to."

Is there anything else you'd like to say about your time as a Griffin?

"There's no place I'd rather be. To be a Griff has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I'm just really sad to be going. But the next girls coming up are going to do better by me. I'm really happy that I could be their mentor and be a leader for them. Can't way to see what they'll do."

Raeghan McCarthy graduated from MacEwan in 2022, but had a year of eligibility left, so she returned to play four years after her previous last season and it has been electric. She's now in the top-10 all-time in Canada West game-winning goals (Taylor Lafond photo).

RAEGHAN McCARTHY

Dean Cordeiro's Coach's Quote:

"What an addition, to say the least. She scored another massive goal over the weekend. To come in and play a new more defensive role (CDM) who has to pick her moments to attack, oh man has she ever picked her moments. When she gets going, she's so tough to cover. She breaks lines so well, she's got so much pace, she's tenacious. The goals that she scored this year, the difficulty level of some of those goals, she is so clinical when it comes to some of her finishes. What a boost it's been for us to have her back in the lineup.  We are so lucky that Rae was able to find a little bit of time to come play her final senior season with everything else she's got going on in her life. She's a fierce competitor and has had a remarkable season, a perfect way to cap off her career."

Q&A with Raeghan McCarthy:

When did you graduate and what are you up to now?

"I graduated from MacEwan in April 2022 and then I went to the U of A and did my Masters degree, so now I'm working full time as a pediatric occupational therapist."

What degrees did you graduate with?

"MacEwan, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science and U of A was a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy."

I usually ask what your career goal is, but it seems you're already in your career. What do you like about that field?

"I like how diverse it is. You can work in any setting and with any population. I definitely think that I've found my dream job working with kids, being an OT. It's really fun. It doesn't feel like working, so that's really nice."

Do you still have plans to keep playing soccer after MacEwan?

"I'm still planning to play in League 1 with (St. Albert) Impact and also Major League, if I'm able to."

When you look back your time with the Griffins, it's in two different phases, but what are some of your favourite memories that stand out?

"I think just all of the friendships I've made, for sure. I've gotten to know so many of the girls. And also winning nationals was really special, as well. That's probably my best memory at MacEwan that I'll have forever."

Do you have a goal that really stands out to you? I remember that PK goal you scored in the 2021 national final game. How about you?

"That was special to score in that final, but I'd say the best goal in my eyes was probably the game-winner I got against MRU this season. That was one of my best goals, so that might have moved into one of my favourites."

GOAL��
Just incredible stuff from Raeghan McCarthy, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 84th on a volley from distance!
3-2 for @MacEwanGriffins over @MRUCougars late.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/70zdmJ464S

— MacEwan Griffins Women's Soccer (@Griffins_WSOC) September 20, 2025

What has it been like coming back as a fifth year four years after you were previously a Griffins student-athlete?

"It's a lot different now than it was even a few years ago, but it's still lots of fun. All the girls were really welcoming and I didn't really feel like I was gone for as long as I was. It was nice coming back and getting to play my final year just to be able to say I did it."

You've climbed into the top 10 in game-winning goals in Canada West history. What does that mean to you to be up with the best clutch goal scorers who've played in the league?

"It feels good. Everyone of course wants to come to the team and make an impact. Of course, I couldn't do it without my teammates either. They're always setting me up for good scoring opportunities. It's still special, though, being able to know you made that impact on the team over my few years here."

You've had the opportunity to leave your legacy here twice at MacEwan? How do you look at that?

"I'm hoping that I brought maybe a little bit more experience, especially into the midfield where they're a little bit younger. They're in that transitional stage (between rookie and veteran), so hoping I brought some more experience and just some hard work into the midfield. I hope that the girls got from me what it takes to win. Not that they weren't winners before, but just kind of that next piece you need to get to Final Four and nationals. Hopefully I left that with the new girls, as well."

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"I would say that getting to play soccer at MacEwan was my favourite years that I ever had playing soccer. I got to make lots of friends and I'll have lots of memories that I'll always think fondly of my time here. It's been really special. I've grown as a player and a person throughout my time at MacEwan, so I think that's really valuable, as well."

Grace Mwasalla is the program's all-time leader in points (51), goals (36) and game-winning goals (12). She's also in the top-10 in Canada West history in goals (T9th) and GWG (T2nd) (Taylor Lafond photo).

GRACE MWASALLA

Dean Cordeiro's Coach's Quote:

"What else can she do. She's top 10 in all-time goals and is second in all-time game-winning goals. She's left such a legacy, not only for our program but within our conference and our league. We're grateful that she chose to become a Griffin and appreciate all the work that she's done. Being one of our captains, the energy she brings and everything she does behind the scenes for the younger players and within the team, it's remarkable. It's one thing to be a good footballer, but it's the way Grace brings everybody together that makes her so important to the team. She's all about the 'we before me' mentality, and she has done so much to put this team on the map."

Q&A with Grace Mwasalla:

You graduated last year and have returned to take some classes. What did you graduate with?

"I graduated in June with a Bachelor of Arts and I double majored in Criminology and Psychology. I'm enrolled in three classes right now."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"The NSL (Northern Super League) – the league that just came to Canada. There's been a lot of talk and advertising about it, so I would hope to pursue that once I'm done here. NSL would be my number one pick, but anywhere professionally I could play. As long as I'm playing soccer, that would be great."

Obviously, your accomplishments since you've been here have been incredibly impressive. This year, you've added to them and are now in the top 10 in goals in Canada West all-time. What does that mean to you?

"I remember reading the article and I was just seeing some of the years when those other girls were playing and I was just a kid. To now be in that talk, I didn't even realize I was in contention until they said it during the game. It's a huge honour. I'm proud of myself, but obviously my teammates past and present are the reason I was able to achieve so much here."

How do you look back on all of your individual accomplishments? Did you ever think you could do the things you've accomplished here?

"No, not really. As the recognition goes on, I just can't comprehend all of it right now. There will come a day when I sit down and just comprehend all that I was able to do, and finally be able to understand. But in the moment, I'm just focused on the team and not really individual stuff."

GOAL��
�� Grace Mwasalla with "an absolute torpedo" puts the game away in the 90th minute as @MacEwanGriffins defeat @ReginaCougars 3-1.#GriffNation pic.twitter.com/pMwqlkAA6O

— MacEwan Griffins Women's Soccer (@Griffins_WSOC) September 28, 2025

What are some of your favourite team memories over your time here?

"It wouldn't even be playing. It's all the stuff off the field, hanging out and just making lifelong friendships along the way. That's what I'm going to remember the most. Besides all the wins and losses, it's the friendships and family I've been able to create over my time here."

You won MacEwan Female Athlete of the Year (2022-23) a season after winning MacEwan Female Rookie of the Year (2021-22). What do those accomplishments mean to you?

"Doing it back to back was kind of crazy. But I feel like my first two years here were some of my most successful. Those accomplishments, given everyone who's done that in the past, I'm honoured to be in the same conversations as all of them."

What do you think your legacy is that you're leaving to the program? How will you be remembered?

"Hopefully being a good teammate. I hope I was able to inspire other people to bet on themselves and believe in their own process. It might not always be smooth, but if you just continue to buy in and believe in yourself, you can go as far as you want."

That's probably the lesson you learned coming back from the knee injury. How proud of yourself are you that you were able to come back from that?

"My surgery was now almost 11 months ago. All the work that I put in throughout the summer to get back – my first game in 2025 was in August. So just to know I'm only three or so months into playing soccer again this year and to see how much I've been able to do, I don't give myself a lot of credit, but I am proud of everything I was able to do with my rehab."

Anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"It's been an amazing time. I'm glad I came back for my last year of eligibility. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. This team has meant everything to me. I just love all of them, past and present. I wouldn't be the person or player I am today without them."