The Brandon University Bobcats are pleased to welcome Orlin Chalmers as the next coach in BU women's soccer program history.
 
Chalmers brings a lifelong passion for the game and is keen to get started as the next leader of the program.
 
"I'm excited to hit the field. My passion has always been about the game, and with the opportunity to grow the game and develop talented players here in Brandon that's easily what I'm most excited for," says Chalmers.
 
"I grew up in a family that football was life. My earliest memories are from that ball, and now that I have a new-found love for coaching it's only grown my love of the game."
 
Chalmers recently moved to Brandon from Kitchener, Ont. where he was coaching with the Milton Youth Soccer Club. He re-located to the Wheat City to take over coaching duties for the Bobcats and will also be serving the Westman Regional Soccer Association (WRSA) as the organization's Technical Director.
 
He holds a Canada Soccer Pre-B License and has worked in player management and development, providing a diverse skill set in all aspects of the game.
 
On the pitch, Chalmers prefers a possession-based style of game that is based on awareness while attacking and attack defending while playing without the ball.
 
Outside of competition, Chalmers is focused on the academic aspects of being a student-athlete, ensuring that his players will be successful thanks to a strong academic foundation and peer support for each other.
 
"It's about life after football. Playing the game at a high level is a short window, and as much as you can create a platform for yourself, you need to be able to use that platform after you're done. To me, that 'student' aspect is key."
 
Prior to coaching, Chalmers enjoyed a successful playing career. He spent time with Team Canada, as a member of the U21 and U17 national teams as well multiple seasons with the Ontario Provincial team.
 
Chalmers spent time in France after signing with AS Cannes at 15 years old, having trained in the team's academy before making his pro debut with the club a short time later.
 
Her returned home to Canada for the majority of his pro career, which included stints with the Hamilton Thunder, Calgary Storm, Toronto Croatia and Oakville Blue Devils, which renamed to the Brampton Lions.
 
His experience nationally and internationally makes him a valued addition to the Bobcat program.
 
"We're very excited to welcome Orlin to the community of Brandon and Bobcat Nation," says BU Athletic Director Russ Paddock. "His knowledge and passion for the game is more than evident. We feel that he will make a great addition to the soccer community and provide a strong leadership presence to the women's soccer team."
 
Chalmers started with WRSA on May 1 and has assumed coaching duties of the Bobcats as well.
 
He will be joined by former player Bailee Ploshynsky on the coaching staff.
 
Ploshynsky is widely considered one of the program's greats, having scored the first goal in program history and led the team to three league final appearances, including consecutive MCAC titles.
 
Chalmers plans to round out the coaching staff with more local support as he gets situated in Brandon and familiar with the coaching community.
 
Chalmers and Ploshynksy will commence training over the summer months ahead of the Bobcats season-opener in September. The full MCAC schedule is to be released in the coming weeks.