Athletes of the Month for September

Summer Olson, a Minnedosa product is being recognized as an all around standout for the women’s soccer team. Olson is an effective playmaker with great vision, she also holds the title of captain. This season she has shown her ability to break up opposition attacks and the leadership skills to organize her teammates on the field.

“Summer has taken it upon herself to step into a leadership role this season. She takes command on the pitch, directing teammates and keeping things organized. She uses her experience to make intelligent changes on the field on the fly. At training she mentors the new and less experienced players. It’s like having another coach” – Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Mark Dabbs.

Olson has been a standout in the midfield each match thus far for the Cougars. In the last five matches, she has scored in two different games for a total of 3 points.

Second year Théo Manias, hailing from Plouharnel, France is no stranger to this accolade.

Just like last year, Theo is a critical player on the men’s soccer team. As the team captain, he brings leadership skills as on-field mentor. His skills and willingness to do whatever the team needs set him apart from other players. As an example, he started his first game ever as a center back against CMU when the team was shorthanded and was unquestionably the leader on the back line. In a recent game against St. Boniface, he nearly single-handedly dug the team out of a 3-goal deficit, scoring twice in the second half when he was moved forward on the pitch. Both of these examples demonstrate how he can be an exceptional player in any position on the field. He is also durable, playing 90 minutes in each league game so far.

“Theo is a player who makes everyone around him better. His passion for the game is evident each time he sets foot on the pitch. As a coach, you know that you are getting maximum effort from Theo at all times” – Men’s Soccer Head Coach, Chris McLachlan.

Cougars Athletics is extremely proud to have standout athletes who represent the college by their leadership, sportsmanship and true passion for their sport.