Soccer Huskies Change Things Up

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Huskie Athletics is pleased to announce changes to the University of Saskatchewan varsity soccer structure including a new head coach for the women’s program.

Within the new transition, 2011 Canada West Men’s Soccer MVP Jerson Barandica-Hamilton and Florida State Women’s Soccer MVP Janine Harding will co-coach the Huskie Athletics women’s soccer program. Current men’s soccer head coach will assume the role as soccer program director for the programs at the University of Saskatchewan. His duties will also include continuing to coach the men’s team.

“Huskie Athletics is excited for these changes to the soccer program,” said athletic director Basil Hughton. “Jerson and Janine both bring a wealth of experience to our program and under the guidance of Bryce, I know we are in good hands. We look forward to seeing what our soccer programs can do on the pitch in the upcoming season.”

Barandica-Hamilton and Harding become the eighth head coaches in the program’s history, replacing Tom LaPointe who had a seven-year stint in this role with the Huskies. Chapman joined the Huskies as head coach of the men’s program in 2004.

JD Blakely will work with both teams as keeper coach, while Stewart Gillott and Kent Kowalski will work with the men’s team as assistant coaches.

“This is an exciting time for soccer at the University of Saskatchewan,” said Chapman. “I am extremely pleased to be working with this new coaching staff and assist in moving the programs to the top of the Canada West and CIS.”

In his duties as soccer program director, Chapman will oversee recruitment, administration, budget and coaching direction for both teams. Barandica-Hamilton and Harding will run all on-pitch coaching duties.

A three-time Canada West all-star, Barandica-Hamilton holds Canada West records in goals, points and games played. The U of S engineering graudate was named MVP in 2011 after leading the conference with eight goals and six assists. Named an All-Canadian in that season, Barandica-Hamilton also represented Canada at the World University Games. He has been an assistant coach with the men’s program for the last two years.

A graduate of Bishop James Mahoney High School, Harding played four seasons at Flordia State as a defender. Named the team’s MVP in her rookie season, Harding became a staple for the Seminoles backline starting in 57 matches in her career. Returning to Saskatoon, Harding is a lawyer at McKercher, LLP.

The structure changes begin immediately. Canada West will release the soccer schedule in June.

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