Mal-U recruit earns rare President's Scholarship
Emily Nicholson is a needle in a haystack.

The 17-year-old soccer player from South Delta Secondary School in Tsawwassen caught the attention of Anup Kang and Keith Watson, coaches of the Malaspina Mariners women's soccer team, last year.

"She was the first player we noticed," said Kang.

Nicholson stood out in the crowd when she set up two goals and scored one during a tournament at Nanaimo's Merle Logan Field.

Kang and Watson, who always have their scouting antennas on, knew they were watching something special.

There are 11 Mariners returning to the team this season, which leaves room for nine new recruits and Nicholson jumped to the top of their list.

Over the past few months, the Grade 12 student weighed her options and decided Mal-U was the best decision, for both academics and athletics.

The fact that she'll be the recipient of a four-year President's Scholarship was the deciding factor.

"I think my parent's would have killed me if I didn't take it," said Nicholson with a laugh during a visit to the Mal-U campus and Nanaimo last Sunday.

The funny part is, Nicholson never thought her soccer skills would earn her a free ride to university.

"I never really thought this would happen," said Nicholson, who has signed up for the recreation and sport management program.

This is the first year Kang and Watson have been able to attract players with the scholarship.

"It really allows us to bring in quality students and amazing athletes at the same time," said Kang, who is entering his second year as co-coach.

Kang and Watson want to bring in players that will most likely take one of Vancouver Island University's 70 degree programs, which would keep them on the roster for at least four years.

"With all of our girls, we're looking at a long-term plan," said Watson.

The duo are looking for players with raw skills who have the potential to help them build a national calibre team.

Last season, the team never recovered from four straight losses at the beginning of the BCCAA season even as they thrived in the second half with a 5-1-3 record. They finished fifth in the league, 6-5-3, two points shy of a playoff spot.

This year, the Mariners play host to the 2008 British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association Soccer Championships on Oct. 24-25.

KCharke@nanaimodailynews.com