CALGARY – When it comes to top-quality defending in soccer,
Talia White is the raising the bar.
Since she was named rookie of the year in the Canada West conference in 2016 she has continued to impress on and off of the pitch. A two-time Academic All-Canadian, and most recently named a first-team All-Canadian, White helped her team to its most impressive regular season ever, recording shutouts in 85 per cent of their regular season games, and only allowing an impressive five goals in 14 fixtures.
A defining moment of the season for White came during the Canada West semifinal against UBC. Despite being down a player, White and her team were able to show their resiliency and pull off the win, sending them through to the conference final, and granting them a spot at nationals.
Troye Flannery, the 2018 U SPORTS Coach of the Year, cannot say enough about his captain and defender.
"She has been an all-star since she arrived on campus" he says. "She is consistent, competitive and character driven, an exceptional athlete and skilled modern defender. She is one of the players that you know driving in on match day that you can rely on."
Her coach praises her performance outside of the game as well.
"Talia is exceptional in the classroom, above and beyond with our fundraising initiatives. Talia is everything we aspire to be about. Quite frankly, she is our rock on and off the field."
Lauren Houghton, the Dinos' All-Canadian goalkeeper also speaks highly of her teammate.
"Talia is someone who, no matter what, will always give 100 per cent effort. She's one of those players you hate playing against but love when she's on your team."
As the goalkeeper, Houghton has a special appreciation for her defender.
"She's got an unmatched composure on the ball. She is so calm and holds herself to a certain level of perfection. I could argue that she is one of, if not the best defender in U SPORTS."
Outside of school the defender continues to fuel her competitive drive by playing in Calgary's first-ever semi-professional women's soccer team. However, last spring she suffered an ankle injury, forcing her to sit out for part of the season.
Despite this setback, White explains that "it taught me so much more about leadership and perseverance," which she brought into her role as a captain this past season.
White feels extremely fortunate to be playing for the Dinos. She started playing the sport around age 7 or 8 with a group of girls and continued to play with those girls growing up – many of which play for the Dinos today.
"We're so close – a family, really. It's great!" says the Dinos captain.
As a two-time Academic All-Canadian, White has had to learn the art of time management.
"It's all about priorities," she says.
Speaking of the transition from high school to university-level play she agreed it was a difficult move, but she quickly learned the balance she needed that would foster success for her and the team.
"I am super competitive" says the defender. "I want to be the best of the best."
Certainly, Talia's combined love for the game, her team, and her competitive drive are a recipe for success and point toward a promising future and upcoming season.
White is one of six female Dinos athletes who have received Awards of Merit and are up for the Dr. Dennis Kadatz Athlete of the Year. The hardware will be handed out at the 52nd Annual Night of the Dino awards gala Tuesday, April 9 at the Red and White Club at McMahon Stadium.
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