Dalhousie University women’s soccer head coach Jack Hutchison is pleased to announce the commitment of three local players to the Tigers 2015-16 lineup.
April Trowbridge comes to the Tigers from the three-time Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation (NSSAF) provincial champion Halifax West High School Warriors. The Golden Boot award (NSSAF scoring title) winner in each of her three years in high school, she currently holds the NSSAF record for most goals scored in a season with 25 in ten games.
A member of the Dunbrack Senior Women’s soccer team, the 5’2” striker helped lead her team to two consecutive provincial championships in 2013 and 2014. Trowbridge has represented Nova Scotia since her U13 year and led team Nova Scotia to a fourth place finish at the 2013 Canada Summer Games.
“As the all-time NSSAF leading scorer, we’ll rely on April’s ability to score,” says Hutchison. “Her passion and desire to put the ball in the net will be a huge asset to our team.”
An honours student in both her grade 11 and 12 years, the Bayside, N.S. native is currently enrolled in Dalhousie’s psychology program and plans to pursue a career as a sport psychologist.
“I hope to bring a competitive edge and strong work ethic to the team,” says Trowbridge. “After having played with current and former Tigers (with Dunbrack), I’m really looking forward to further developing our chemistry and to be a part of the Tigers family. I can’t wait to see what the next four to five years will bring!”
Trowbridge’s Halifax West teammate Rachelle LaLande will also be joining the Tigers lineup this fall.
A 5'8" midfielder, LaLande brings a tradition of winning with three NSSAF provincial championships under her belt. A member of the Dunbrack U18 team, she scored five goals last season and helped lead them to two consecutive provincial championships and a fourth place finish at nationals last year.
“Rachelle has the ability and vision to help our midfield on both sides of the ball,” says Hutchison. “She brings a wealth of previous provincial and national championship experience, making her a versatile and valuable player.”
An honour roll student all three years of high school, LaLande will be pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
“I’m very excited to be attending Dalhousie in the fall and have an opportunity to play for such a great team,” says LaLande. “I believe it will be a great fit for me and it’s an honour to be a Tiger. I’m looking forward to the experience, both on and off the field.”
A 5’10” defender, Olivia Coakley comes to the Tigers after three seasons with the Lockview High School Dragons. Coakley plays her summer soccer with the Suburban Football Club and has played on the provincial team since 2009.
A well-rounded athlete, she received athlete of the year honours in grade nine and was the volleyball rookie of the year that same year with the Dragons.
“Olivia a strong and intelligent defender who comes from the highly regarded and successful Suburban FC program in the Bedford/Sackville area,” says Hutchison. “She has an outstanding work ethic and is a highly motivated student-athlete.”
A high honours student since grade nine, Coakley is enrolled in Dalhousie’s science program.
“I am very excited to be playing for the Dalhousie Tigers,” says Coakley. “I’m anxious for the season to start!”
The Tigers kick-off the 2015 season with a pair of home games, hosting the Mount Allison Mounties Saturday, September 12, followed by the Acadia Axewomen Sunday, September 13.