It looks to be a season of firsts for the Quest women’s soccer team.  Entering its third year of play and second in the league, the obvious ambition is to win games.  But with two full-time coaches on staff and nine first year soccer players, coach Martina Franko is being spoiled for choice for the first time in the program’s history.
“I think this season the huge difference is we are going to have a lot of depth on the team,” said Franko, fresh off a summer season captaining the USL W-League finalists, the Vancouver Whitecaps.  “So once we get our new players up to speed and on the same page as the returning players, I think we are going to have a very dangerous team.”

Early observations of the pre-season training camp demonstrate just why the head coach is speaking of depth.  As many as 21 players are fighting for spots in the 18 player roster, all of whom come to Quest to play soccer in addition to their studies.  It’s therefore no surprise that apart from wins, internal competition is on the minds of even the veteran players.
“Having new recruits will make it a competitive starting lineup and it’s not a given to be starting this year,” added Chelsey Forsberg, one of three captains in addition to Lindsay Epp and Brittany Shalagan.  “Having all soccer players will make it a competition during practice and games so that everyone will play their heart out wanting to get minutes.  People will be looking for time on the field as opposed to time off.”
Early pre-season performances against league opponents, including at Douglas College, have indicated just why first year players like Maren (Mari) Tarleton (Bellingham, WA), Gellie Raguin-Licas (Delta, BC), Jessica Sanchez (Federal Way, WA) and Zoe Bogas (Tsawwassen, BC) could influence the outcome of the 2010 season.  The soccer stronghold of North Vancouver provides further technicality to the team, including the arrivals of Tatiana Bliss, Brittney Campbell, Olivia Carrillo, Danielle Lawson and goalkeeper Tiana Gilchrist. 
The team captains are excited about more than just adding some “pizzazz” to the offense this year.  There seemed to be quite a few new fans at pre-season games, enhancing the already healthy school spirit on campus. 
“Even in preseason, seeing the tutors come to the game is encouraging,” said captain Epp.  “Hopefully people will come in the rain as well as the sun.  We have a Kermode mascot too!”
Like the Quest academic staff, coach Franko was also keen to talk about the serious side of the educational experience.  She believes that the ability of the veteran players to mentor the young talent is what makes Quest so unique.
“Well they obviously possess leadership, enthusiasm and tenacity,” said Franko of her second and third year players.  “The first years need to realize that it’s a different level of play and the returning players already understand the level of play that they need to be at.  Their tenacity will pick up the younger players.”
Regardless of whether it comes from a new mascot, fresh talent or the experience of veteran players, the tenacious nature of the Kermodes’ season approach should make for some interesting outcomes.  If early season performance is any indication, the team could win with both tenacity and style.

Jonas Worth, Quest University Athletics