Midfielder Giftopoulos Joins Lakers Soccer Team

Lady Lakers Soccer Head Coach David Bitonti is happy to announce the commitment of Midfielder Stefani Giftopoulos (Ancaster, ON) to attend Nipissing University in the Fall of 2011.The first year Nursing student played high school soccer at St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic Secondary School and captained the Burlington Tigers Club team from 2008-2011. These same Tigers made it the 2011 Ontario Youth Soccer League finals.
“The initial decision for me to go to Nipissing was one based on the Nursing program,” said Giftopoulos. “I heard many great things about it and when I came down to look at the University, I learned many more. This program best fits my learning style and provides more practical experience.”
Giftopoulos noted that the soccer program also played a major role in her decision to attend Nipissing. “During my visit I was impressed with the coaching staff, David and the team made me feel very welcome.  He encouraged me that I would fit in well with the plans he had for the team.”
When asked about the 5-4 central midfielder, Bitonti stated that she was a dynamic player.  He added, “Stefani is so gifted technically and has terrific game awareness that makes her hard to defend. She gives our midfield immediate stability and credibility and will be a great addition to the attacking options that we already have on the team. She's very smart and has the ability to create goal-scoring opportunities coming out of the midfield.”
Giftopoulos is looking forward to the experience of playing varsity soccer in a competitive league with talented players. When asked about her goals for the upcoming season Giftopoulos said, “My goals for this season are to play the best I can for this team and to help them where I’m needed.”   “It would be great to help this team build on the success of last year and take it even further,” she continued.
The Lady Lakers will hit the pitch September 2 in Sudbury versus Laurentian University and return home on September 4 for their home opener against the Trent Excalibur at the Education Centre Field.