CALGARY – With a new coach at the helm for the 2013 season, the University of Calgary Dinos women's soccer team has a revamped roster and style of play in hope of making an impact in the league this year.

Last season, the Dinos finished with a 3-6-3 record and missed the Canada West playoffs when they finished ninth, just one spot out of post-season contention. Newly-appointed head coach Troye Flannery wants to change that.

“We have a rare opportunity to hit reset and with that we are fully expecting to qualify for Canada West playoffs,” said Flannery. “Once there, we intend to make as much noise as possible.”

Calgary returns the likes of central midfielder Andrea Stinson and forward Tessa Miller. Both players will be looked upon by the Dinos to take the reins with such a young team. While Stinson returns for just her second season with Calgary, Miller comes back after a year off for her fifth and final year of eligibility hoping to be a threat in the attacking third all season.

Another player hoping to make an impact on the roster this season will be Sarah Deklerk. A transfer from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the former NCAA star possesses a high degree of game awareness and game intelligence, as well as leadership that should help the Dinos on and off the field this season.

Kira Lee from Okanagan FC and Jordan Smith, an Olympic luger, will also be important additions to the 2013 women's soccer team.

The Dinos' new head coach is aware of the youth of the team and managing a competitive, short season will be key as well as managing the highs and lows.

“We've got some options going forward, we are quite athletic and exceptionally fit right now,” Flannery said. “We also possess a high level of passion, personality and purpose. We just have to make sure we remain consistent through the ups and downs.”

Calgary opens up its season with games on the road against provincial rivals. The first installment of the 2013-14 Crowchild Classic takes place Saturday afternoon on the Mount Royal campus as the Dinos face the Cougars, with a trip to Edmonton and a date with the Alberta Pandas following on Sunday.

Their home opener will come Sept. 14 when they take on the Manitoba Bisons at McMahon Stadium at 11 a.m.

-UC-