Kirstin Surovy is no stranger to the Bobcat soccer program, but both her role this year, and her play on the field have come as big surprises. After losing last year's conference all-star Amy Kingdon to injury, the 'Cats had a huge need at centre defense entering the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) season.
Surovy stepped into the new role to begin her sophomore season, and has been one of the league's superior defenders since.
"Central defenders don't get a lot of glory, but they are part of the backbone of a team," says coach Rainer Schira. "This year Kirstin is a starting player and has played almost every minute of our season. All three coaches agree that she has really stepped forward in skill, fitness, and tactical understanding. We want to celebrate her effort and growth."
While Surovy's new role doesn't lead to goals or other offensive statistics, her presence helped the Bobcats start the season on a four-game winning streak, in which the Bobcats did not surrender a single goal.
"Kirstin really helped us out of a tough predicament this season. It isn't easy to step into a new position, much less this high-pressure one. Kirstin has played really well. She has a clear vision of the tactics and with fierceness and speed," Schira adds.
