AU soccer stays local

Why leave home when university and athletics can be combined here? It is a question that has just been answered by one local academic/athletic standout. Berlyn Killoran of St. Mary’s College in the Sault has officially signed with the Algoma University women’s soccer team ahead of the 2023 fall term.

Killoran has extensive experience as a forward for Sault City United. She will be studying Business at Algoma U effective the fall semester.

Killoran said she chose Algoma because she will be able to get a quality education and play the sport she loves while staying at home. With a good work ethic and positive mindset, Killoran believes that she will be able to play a key role with the Algoma U soccer women.

Head coach Neil Ovey took note of Killoran’s soccer abilities.

“Berlyn was high on our 2023 recruiting list. So, we are extremely happy to get the signing completed and another local product into the program. Berlyn has a good technical ability and tactical knowledge of the game and will bring high energy to the program,” Ovey relayed.

Killoran comes from an athletic family.

Her younger brother, Gavin Killoran, plays hockey for the Under 15 AAA Soo Jr. Greyhounds. Her dad, Mike Killoran, is a former rep player who still plays in the men’s hockey league locally. And her mom, the former Tricia Beaulac, is a former multi-sport high school participant at Korah Collegiate who won the coveted Percy Bedford Award back in 1993 as the Sault’s top female athlete. Tricia also went on to play basketball at Durham College in Oshawa.

As for Berlyn, she is currently a Grade 12 honour roll student at St Mary’s. She has played soccer since she was five years old, moving up to the competitive level with Sault City United at age 13. Playing for Sault City United makes for a lot of summer time travel as in heading to southern Ontario just about every second weekend.

Young Killoran, who also plays high school soccer at St. Mary’s, was a goal a game performer for the Knights during the most recent season. She has also been a member of the cross country and track and field teams at St. Mary’s.

Looking ahead at the post secondary school situation and noting that she had some offers to attend American universities, Killoran has opted to stay at home and attend Algoma come the 2023 fall semester because it gives her “the best opportunity to get a quality education, live at home with the support of family and not go into huge student debt while being able to play the sport I love. Signing with Algoma was like hitting a home run with the bases loaded.”

In photo above, Berlyn Killoran signs to play soccer at Algoma University effective the 2023 fall term.

EARLIER SIGNINGS

Prior to signing Berlyn Killoran, the Algoma U women’s soccer team committed to two other local players for the 2023 fall season.

• After graduating form Superior Heights Collegiate this spring, Taya Shackleton will be studying Biology at Algoma in the fall. Shackleton’s previous experience with Sault City United figures to be an asset to the AU Thunderbirds.

Shackleton said she chose Algoma because of its location, academic opportunities and for the opportunity to play at the Ontario University Athletics level. The young athlete is known for being a member of Link Crew and the Student Council at Superior Heights.

Soccer wise, Algoma U head coach Neil Ovey noted that “we have known Taya for some time and are confident that as a student athlete Taya will excel. Taya is a hard working, dedicated soccer player who is tactically and technically sound.”

• Chloe Cormier from White Pines Collegiate has also committed to the AU women’s soccer program. She will enrol in the four year Business Administration program at Algoma U. 

In addition to playing soccer at White Pines, Cormier also plays in a variety of other sports and has been busy as the president of the Student Senate at her high school.

Algoma U soccer coach Neil Ovey relayed that “Chloe is a dynamic midfield player. She is technically good and has high energy levels.” 

And as for choosing her post secondary school, Cormier noted that “I have decided on Algoma as I have the opportunity to obtain a business degree and play soccer while staying at home.”