(London, Ontario) – On Tuesday evening at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) banquet in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Falcons striker Jade Kovacevic (Acton, ON) was named the CCAA Women's Soccer Player of the Year. This is the first time in Fanshawe Soccer history that a player has received this honour.

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. Kovacevic was named the OCAA Player of the Year 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.

When Kovacevic is not in class or training with the Falcons, she can be found coaching FC London's U16 girls' soccer team or volunteering with the London Mini Stars house league program.

"Jade not only is an exceptional player, but she is also an excellent role model and understands that she has been given an opportunity to influence the next generation of female soccer players", said Head Coach Mike Marcoccia. "She is particularly passionate about supporting and helping young girls in both their soccer and personal development."

Fanshawe's Manager of Athletics, Nathan McFadden stated that "Jade is a generational talent that combines exceptional character and skill with a very high level of drive and competitiveness. She is a true professional in every way and extremely deserving of this honour."

The Fanshawe Women's Soccer squad was ranked in the CCAA top 10 the entire year, and hopes to continue their success this week at the National Championship. The Falcons will play the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Trojans in a CCAA quarterfinal match on Wednesday, November 2 at 6pm EST (3pm PST). The Championship is being hosted by Douglas College in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

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Photo Credit: Martin Bazyl