(London, Ontario) – The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) announced today that Fanshawe Women's Soccer student-athlete Jade Kovacevic (Acton, ON) was named the 2018-19 OCAA Female Athlete of the Year. This is the first time in history that a Fanshawe Female Athlete of the Year has been named the OCAA Female Athlete of the Year. It also marks the third consecutive year where one of the Fanshawe Athletes of the Year has also been named an OCAA Athlete of the Year (Cole Jordan, Men's Volleyball (2017-18) and Seth Marcaccio, Cross Country (2016-17)).

Kovacevic led the Falcons to an undefeated OCAA season and ultimately a Provincial Championship title. She had a nation's-best 30 goals this year, 15 ahead of her nearest competitor. The fourth-year striker was named the OCAA Player of the Year, OCAA Championship MVP and set new OCAA records for most goals in a season and most goals in a single game with nine (Sept. 8 vs. Lambton). After three seasons, Kovacevic is second in OCAA all-time scoring with 79 career goals. She was named a CCAA All-Canadian and the CCAA Women's Soccer Player of the Year, the first time a Fanshawe soccer student-athlete has ever won the award. Kovacevic was named as a CCAA Tournament All-Star after leading the Falcons to a national bronze medal, Fanshawe's first CCAA medal in nine years. Kovacevic led the national tournament in scoring, including notching a blistering five goals in the quarterfinal match.

"Jade is without a doubt the top female soccer player to play as a Fanshawe Falcon. There are very few players who have the ability to influence a game the way that Jade can both offensively and defensively", said Head Coach Mike Marcoccia. "She is an incredible athlete who has left her mark with this program and everyone involved. We couldn't be more proud of her and all she has accomplished."

"Jade is a generational talent who led our Women's Soccer program this season by displaying tremendous character, commitment and drive," praised Fanshawe Manager of Athletics Nathan McFadden. "She is an exceptionally skilled student-athlete and outstanding person who was the best in the CCAA in her sport. She had a dominant season individually while leading her team to a provincial championship and the national podium.

See the full OCAA release here: http://ocaa.com/sports/wsoc/2018-19/releases/04172019ocaafaoty