Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Eight UNBC T-wolves soccer players named Canada West all stars

This year's eight-player total matches UNBC's entire soccer all-star total in previous 10 years

UNBC made sports history Thursday when eight members of the Timberwolves soccer programs were named to U SPORTS Canada West Conference all-star teams.

Five of them – Michael Henman, Cody Gysbers, Kensho Ando, Daniel Zadravec and Hagon Kim – are playing for the playoff-bound T-wolves men’s team, and three – Kiana Swift, Mara McClary and Paige Payne – suited up for the women’s team that narrowly missed a postseason berth.

The eight all-star selections this season matched the entire 10-year total in the history of UNBC soccer. Heading into this season, the T-wolves had eight players picked for Canada West all-star recognition since UNBC joined the league in 2012.

Henman, the T-wolves striker who tied the Canada West record with 19 goals this season, and Gysbers, the leader of the UNBC backline, were named First Team all-stars, Ando and Zadravec were picked for the Second Team, and Kim made the All-Rookie team.

UNBC sports information officer Rich Abney spoke to UNBC head coach Steve Simonson for his comments on the players that made the all-star lists this season:

Michael Henman, F, 4th Year – 1st Team All-Star

“I am so incredibly proud of all that Michael has accomplished,” said Simonson. “Not just this year, but every year since finding his way to UNBC. He is truly an exceptional young man, and for him to accomplish what he did this season is absolutely remarkable. This is a year I will never forget.”

Cody Gysbers, D, 5th Year – 1st team All-Star

“Cody has steadily grown into the role he has today, in his fifth year with our program,” said Simonson. ”He is so deserving of this all-star recognition, as he has had his strongest year of five important seasons with us.  He has battled injuries for a long time, and I am happy to see him playing constantly, which has led to successes this year at UNBC.”

Kensho Ando, M, 3rd Year – 2nd Team All-Star

“Kensho is an undeniably important part of UNBC’s success this year,” said Simonson. “A player of his type can often go unnoticed because he doesn’t always impact in obvious areas like goals or assists.  His defensive efforts are absolute exceptional and he deserves the recognition. I am thrilled for Kenny.”

Daniel Zadravec, G, 3rd Year – 2nd Team All-Star

“Dan has demonstrated the abilities that we knew he had when we brought him to UNBC,” said Simonson. “He has always been an important part of the goalkeeping team since his arrival, but now he has matured into a top starting GK in Canada West and I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Hagon Kim, D, 1st Year – All-Rookie Team

“We are so fortunate to have Hagon at UNBC,” said Simonson. “He plays beyond his first-year status, and has shown not just great quality, but also great adaptability within our team. To top it off he is an incredible young man and we look forward to more successful years for him to come at UNBC.”

Here is the complete list of Canada West all-stars.

The T-wolves men’s team posted its best-ever Canada West regular season finish (7-6-3, third in Pacific Division) will face the University of Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton Saturday (1:15 PT) in a first-round playoff.

The UNBC women (5-6-3) finished sixth in the Pacific Division, needing a top-five finish to advance to the postseason.

Swift, in her fourth year of eligibility at midfield, once again led the T-wolves in all defensive categories and she becomes the first UNBC women’s soccer player to make the Canada West First Team. McClary repeated her Second Team All-Star accomplishment for 2019, joining Payne on the Second Team.

Here’s what T-wolves women’s head coach Neil Sedgwick had to say about his all-star players:

Kiana Swift, M, 4th Year – 1st Team All-Star

“An amazing year for Kiana with her debut for the Tongan National Team in the summer, a fantastic season, and now recognition from the coaches in Canada West,” said Sedgwick. “Kiana has been a conference leader statistically the last two years in nearly all defending areas. More importantly Kiana's contribution to the team intentions allows her teammates to use their strengths. I am really happy for Kiana today.”

Mara McCleary, D, 5th Year – 2nd Team All-Star

“Mara helped change the program’s profile during her time at UNBC. I am thrilled that Mara is receiving this recognition for the tireless efforts, for the dependable performances, and for the standard-setting lifestyle on the turf and in the classroom,” said Sedgwick. “It has been wonderful to observe the progress from youth player in BCSPL through a university career. Mara has left an indelible mark on the UNBC program.”

Paige Payne, F, 5th Year – 2nd Team All-Star

“From Kitimat to All-Star. I am so pleased for Paige as her passion for the game and her personal development has continued to be at the highest level throughout her career,” said Sedgwick. “Paige causes problems for opposition in her efforts to help the team, and this year her goal scoring was essential for our progress as a program. Clearly a standout player in the conference and she will be greatly missed by our program.”

The complete list of Canada West women's soccer all stars is here.