By Rylie Dobson
(Halifax, N.S) - Dalhousie’s women’s soccer head coach Cindy Tye is pleased to announce the addition of Josie Oickle and Zoe Brown to the Tigers lineup for the 2018-19 season.
Oickle, from Lewis Lake, Nova Scotia, has seen plenty of success on the field. She played for Halifax County United for two seasons, leading her teams to a fourth-place finish at the national championships in 2014 and a silver at provincials in 2015. She moved to Halifax Dunbrack in 2016 and earned another silver medal at last year’s provincial championship.
A member of Nova Scotia’s provincial team for four consecutive seasons, she helped lead them to Atlantic Championship titles in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
In addition to her club and provincial careers, Oickle excelled on Sir John A. Macdonald High School’s soccer team, earning a spot on the Metro High School Soccer League’s all-star team this past season.
“Josie comes to us with a multi-sport background and the ability to play different positions,” says Tye. “Her athleticism allows her to make an impact as a midfielder, and also be dangerous up front. She is a competitive, hard-working athlete and we are excited to have her join our program!”
A Principal’s List student for the past two years, Oickle will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree next fall at Dalhousie.
“I am very excited to spend my university years at Dalhousie,” says Oickle, “I’m looking forward to continuing my soccer career as a Tiger.”
Fellow Halifax County and Dunbrack teammate Zoe Brown, is also set to join the Tigers roster for the coming season. Brown is an undeniable offensive threat, and her stats show it. She was the leading scorer in the Nova Scotia Soccer League and helped lead her team to a silver medal at last year’s provincial championship.
Brown has been a member of the Nova Scotia provincial team for four years, earning Atlantic Championship titles in three of those four seasons.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to study at Dalhousie and play soccer for the Tigers,” says Brown. “I look forward to being part of the Dalhousie community.”
A Metro High School Soccer league all-star with Citadel High School, Brown, has maintained high honours for the past two years. She will begin her studies in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Science this fall.
“Zoe is an exciting attacking player with strong technical skills who will add to our ability to create scoring chances,” says Tye. “She has grown in our provincial programs every year, and is committed to improving. We are very happy to add Zoe to our program!”
The Tigers finished the 2017 season ranked third in the AUS.