Kiada Oliveira of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School signed a scholarship agreement Friday to play university soccer for PennWest Edinboro.
She'll be joining the Fighting Scots, an NCAA Division II entry in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
"I'm very excited to be going," Oliveira said during signing ceremonies at the BR gym. "I'm a little bit nervous, but I've worked hard to get here."
Oliveira helped Bishop Ryan win the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic junior championship two years ago -- its first title in 23 years.
Stacie Mazzuca coached the league champion Celtics in 2023 and is an assistant with coach Giuseppe Pontillo's senior squad this season.
"Kiada is looking great," Mazzuca said, referring to BR's trip to the finals at the recent Holy Trinity tournament. "She's definitely an asset to the team."
Oliveira is considered a leader, too.
Said Mazzuca: "She's fierce on the field. Kiada doesn't give up. She motivates the team to push themselves. She's very committed to the team. We're super excited for her. It's a great opportunity."
Oliveira began playing organized soccer from U7 to U11 with the Mount Hamilton organization.
She has also played for clubs in Oakville and Burlington.
She currently plays women's League2 for Hamilton.
She's an attacking midfielder with a dominant left foot.
Bishop Ryan kicks off its regular-season schedule Thursday against the St. Mary Crusaders.
Photos by Richard Andoga
