Panthers add former Canadian national team member

Maria Scichilone commits to soccer Program

The UPEI Women's Soccer Panthers have made a huge splash in their recruiting efforts by adding former national team stand-out Maria Scichilone, from Rothesay, New Brunswick, to the team.

'It's exciting to watch the women's World Cup on television, knowing that Maria trained and played with the likes of Christine Sinclair and Kara Lang (now retired). She has a skill set that is exceptional, and a wonderful soccer pedigree-she will entertain Island fans to be sure,' said Panthers head coach, Michael Redmond.

Maria has been on UPEI's radar for several years and it was the approach by the UPEI players and staff that has brought her to the Island. 'It is an honour and privilege to come to UPEI. I was attracted by UPEI's academic and athletic standards and by a program that strives for success on and off the field,' said Scichilone.

Scichilone will be reunited with goalkeeper Chanelle Roy at UPEI as they played together on the New Brunswick Canada Games team. 'I am looking forward to renewing friendships and meeting my new teammates and classmates at UPEI,' added Scichilone. 'I will draw on my experience with the national team program to provide leadership and a positive attitude. I am coming to UPEI to help the team win championships at both the AUS and CIS levels.'

The UPEI Women's Soccer program will have a very competitive training camp with no less than 14 rookies in attendance. 'It is our goal to have a competition for every position, and because we came up short last year, it means all players will have to perform well to earn a spot,' explained assistant coach Clarence Frizzell.

The Panthers open their regular season at Dalhousie and Saint Mary's universities on September 10 and 11, respectively.