With the 2014 Pacific Coast Soccer League campaign behind them, several members of the Victoria Highlanders’ men’s reserves are continuing their soccer seasons in the collegiate ranks for the first time.
The men’s reserves enjoyed a successful 2014 PCSL campaign that saw them claim the Men’s U-21 Reserve Challenge Cup.
Seven players will graduate from the Highlanders’ Prospects Program and head to university programs across North America to continue their soccer careers while pursuing a post-secondary education.
“One of the main goals of the Prospects Program is to help our players use soccer as a tool to continue their education,” Highlanders’ director of U-18 Men’s Prospects, as well as Highlanders’ head coach, Steve Simonson said.
“I am extremely proud of these players for their accomplishments and wish each of them the best of luck in their upcoming university careers.”
Forward Jyotish Khanna and defender Justin Atwal will both suit up for the University of Victoria Vikes this fall, joining 2014 Highlanders and Vikes Cam Hundal, Tarnvir Bhandal, Adam Ravenhill, Sam Prette, Cam Stokes, and Dom Colantonio.
Bryce Marinus and Cole Ollis have both opted to play for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in their freshman seasons. Marinus, a key midfielder in the Highlanders’ PCSL playoff run, and Ollis, a steady center back, join former Highlander star Brett Levis with the Huskies.
Suiting up closer to Highlanders headquarters are Brennen McCleary and Dylan Pagnotta. McCleary has chosen to play for the Quest University Kermodes of the CCAA, while Pagnotta will join the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves, respectively.
Rounding out the 2014 commitments is Sean Speirs, one of four goalkeepers with the Westminster Griffins in Salt Lake City, Utah.