The Manitoba Bisons women’s soccer team continues to build for their eighth CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) season as new head coach Hadyn Sloane-Seale is pleased to announce the commitment of defender Kayla Gagliardi, midfielder Jessica Lukasiewicz and defender Meagan Sparrow for the upcoming 2012 season.

Gagliardi (pronounced: ga-lee-ar-dee), 17, has played for Manitoba provincial team and won provincial championship at the club level. The 5’5” defender played with Bonivital Flames club team from 2007-12 and part of MSA Cup championship in 2008 and 2010 at advanced age when playing for Flames U14 at 13 and Flames U16 at 15. At Collège Béliveau, the Winnipeg native won sport/academic award in 2010 played with varsity volleyball and basketball teams and scored eight goals (most for the team) in 2011-12 Winnipeg Women’s Indoor Soccer League. Gagliardi was part of provincial team from 2008-10. In addition, she has been recognized with High School Academic Honours Role from grade 9-11 and on student council from 2011-12.

Sloane-Seale stated, “Kayla has show herself to be a versatile player with the ability to play in different positions. Her flexibility and range will enhance the team to be able to play different formations during the season.”

Lukasiewicz (pronounced: loo-kas-a-witch), 18, has been part of club championship with Bonivital and selected for provincial teams. The 5’3” midfielder played with Bonivital Flames club team from 2007-12 and part of MSA Cup championship in 2008 and 2010. The Winnipeg native played advanced age for provincial U14 in 2007 and has also been on provincial teams in 2008-10. She has also won three championships in indoor soccer (2006-07; 2008-09; 2009-10) and was named an All-Star for Dakota Collegiate during the 2012 Provincial Urban Soccer Championship. Lukasiewicz made Honour Role from grade 9-12 and on student council from 2011-12.

“Jess is an extremely intelligent player who reads the game very well. We are looking forward to seeing the contribution she will make to the program this year and in years to come,” commented Sloane-Seale.

Sparrow, 18, has won club championship with Bonivital and selected for provincial teams. The 5’6” defender played with Bonivital Flames club team from 2004-12 and part of MSA Cup championship in 2008 and 2010. The Winnipeg native has also been on provincial teams from 2005-10. Sparrow made Honour Role from 2008-12.

Sloane-Seale said, “Meagan has demonstrated a great desire to better herself as a player and it shows in her enthusiasm for the game. She is a player who is comfortable on the ball and likes to get herself forward from deep positions. We are excited to have her on board.”

Bison Soccer Notes: The 2012 Bison Women’s Soccer Training Camp will commence on Monday, August 13 and be held at the University of Manitoba Turf Fields (beside University Stadium) on the U of Manitoba campus. The team will host a pre-season tournament at the U of Manitoba campus from August 24-26 and start the Canada West regular season on Friday, September 7 vs. Winnipeg.