The Gee-Gees women's soccer team has secured an NCAA transfer. Miranda Smith is an Ottawa born midfielder who has been playing at the University of Memphis for the last three seasons where she has played against some of the top schools in the NCAA. She will be joining the Gee-Gees this fall with two years of U SPORTS eligibility remaining.
Before her time in university athletics, Miranda suited up as an attacking midfielder for Capital United and Gloucester in Ottawa where she excelled as a player. She won an OYSL eastern division championship, was a three-time Ontario National All-Star Team member winning both silver and gold, was a bronze medalist for team Ontario at the Canada Games, has played for the Ontario Provincial team since she was 13 and has been a member of the National Training Center since she was 15.
Here is what Gee-Gees head coach Steve Johnson had to say about Miranda Smith:
"Miranda will have an immediate positive impact on our program. She will have two years of eligibility remaining and our team will benefit from her experience playing in Memphis. She will have played against some of the best and most athletic teams in the NCAA these past 3 years. Miranda used to train alongside some of our players, at our field, when she was only around 12 years old. This will be like coming home in more ways than one.
Miranda has played as an attacking midfielder with her club teams Capital United and Gloucester. She played as an attacking midfielder with both the Ontario provincial team and the Ontario Canada Summer Games team. With Memphis, she often played as a defensive midfielder. The midfield role suits her strengths, as Miranda is a fit, hardworking and excellent team player. She has good vision and decision making skills, and the fierce desire to win.
Even though we did not get Miranda when she first graduated from high school, I am really excited to add her to our lineup this fall."
Miranda was asked a few questions about transferring to the Gee-Gees. Here is what she had to say:
How will your NCAA experience help you transfer to the Gee-Gees?
"The level of play was very high over there and I think playing with girls that were big, fast and strong really made me grow as a player. Being put in such a high performance environment has improved my knowledge of the game and I'm ready to bring that to the Gee-Gees. Also being away from home has made me more mature and made me grow as a person and as a player."
How does it feel moving back home and playing for a home town university?
"I am very excited to come home and play in front of my family and friends. I want to play well for my hometown friends and family, so I have a lot of motivation coming into the next season. I even used to watch a lot of Gee-Gees games growing up so it will be cool to play for the team now."
How do you think you can contribute to the Gee-Gees right away in the upcoming season?
"My work ethic is the key to my game so I think I can bring hard work and dedication to the team right away. It's hard to teach hard work and I believe it comes second nature to me. I also think my versatility as a player can contribute to the team. Growing up, I was an offensive contributor, but after playing in Memphis I have really improved my defensive game. So, I think I will be an asset on both sides of the field."
What were the things that drove you to chose uOttawa for your transfer school?
"My decision was heavily soccer based. I know Steve a little bit since I used to join his uOttawa practices because my coach helped out there, so we already have a bit of a relationship. Coming to play in my hometown for the Gee-Gees has really lit a fire in my heart to get out and perform well on the field. I also see a future for me playing soccer. I know that Steve does a great job developing players and I hope to play soccer in Europe after my two years here."
She has been admitted to the University of Ottawa and has accepted her offer for an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Miranda will be joining the Gee-Gees in the fall with 1,870 minutes of NCAA soccer experience under her belt. She is sure to have an immediate impact and bring some more depth to a strong Gee-Gees women's soccer team.
