The Mariners soccer teams both have new coaches. Bobby Taylor takes over the women's team while Kevin Lindo switches programs to guide the men's side. VIU hosts Capilano to open the PACWEST season Sept. 10. (VIU Mariners)

By Dan Marshall

New Faces

VIU Mariners soccer players excited to work with new coaches

Sep 10, 2022 | 10:07 AM

NANAIMO — There’s excitement around the opening of the PACWEST soccer season for the VIU Mariners.

Both programs have new coaches this season with Bobby Taylor taking over the women’s team allowing Kevin Lindo to switch over to the men’s side.

Mariners veteran Cara Dunlop said it’s a step forward to have a female coach.

“She’s actually the first female coach I’ve had at a high level. I’m a coach myself so she’s a great mentor both as a player and a coach.”

Fifth-year attacker Shae Battie is excited to work with Taylor as well.

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“Having that female connection and that social and emotional connection is really important for us.”

Both Dunlop and Battie are playing in the final year with the Mariners soccer program which Battie acknowledged adds a sense of urgency for team success.

“Going to nationals is the only thing in my mind. We can’t not go, we have to.”

The men’s side is also adjusting to Lindo as their new coach. Centre back Matthew Coburn likes what he sees so far.

“We have a great coaching staff. Kevin puts a lot of effort into practice and tactics. We’re looking to be aggressive this year with a lot of talent on the team.”

Second-year defender Jonathan McKenzie said the Mariners will be patient with the ball and use high pressure when they don’t.

In a short season with a four-team league, a strong start to the campaign will be crucial.

“The PACWEST anyone can win on any given day,” McKenzie said. “It’s very competitive across the board. So for us it’s about focusing on ourselves and taking in one game at a time.”

In 2021 both VIU soccer teams finished third in the PACWEST.

The men lost out to Douglas College in the provincial final while the women also lost to Douglas in the semi-finals.

The teams have been training for several weeks already with the season opening at home on Sept. 10 and 11 with doubleheaders against Capilano.

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