CLEVELAND, Ohio – Seniors Essence Canady and Helena Novatsidis have been named the captains of the Cleveland State women's soccer team, head coach Dallas Boyer announced on Wednesday afternoon.
"We don't take lightly our team's environment and culture," said Boyer. "One of those key decisions that go into cultivating and supporting that culture is giving real ownership to our team leaders. This fall I'm thrilled to announce that our captains will be Essence Canady and Helena Novatsidis."
Canady, who enters her fifth year as a member of the Vikings women's soccer program, has appeared in 50 games (48 starts) over her four-year career, tallying six goals and two assists for 14 points. The North Huntingdon, Pa., native, saw her most productive season during the 2019-20 campaign, netting three goals and tallying two assists in 13 matches (12 starts).
"Essence returns in the role after last year when she was a major part of our group's navigation through the most challenging season imaginable, helping us maintain the highest of standards both on and off the field despite all of the restrictions and disappointments along the way," said Boyer. "She's really developed her personal leadership style and I'm excited to see that continue as she continues to build on what is already one of the most accomplished careers in our program's history with so much experience to share with what is a very young and promising roster."
During the condensed 2020-21 season, the senior appeared, and started, in all 10 games. Academically, Canady was named to the Cleveland State President's List during the fall of 2020, in addition to the Dean's List in the spring.
"I believe that being elected as a captain shows the respect that I have earned from my teammates," Canady stated. "My teammates see the hardwork and effort I put forth each and every day and I'm extremely appreciative for their continued trust and support. I am beyond excited to play alongside my teammates one last season and battle to the end for the Horizon League trophy. Although myself and my co-captain have the captain titles, I see many captains in my eyes on this team. Overall, I wouldn't be able to be the captain I am today without my Viking family."
Novatsidis is set to begin her fourth season suiting up for the Green and White. Over her three-year Cleveland State career, the midfielder has seen action in 21 games (one start). Novatsidis made her sole start during the 2019-20 season on Sept. 15 against Canisius. The newest captain tallied her lone career assist in a 3-0 win over NKU that same season (Oct. 12).
"Helena's addition as a captain this year is an opportunity to reward a person that has been living all of the ideals that our program strives to be about - selfless, empathic, hard-working, and invested in each other," stated Boyer. "Helena is as consistently bought in to those personal characteristics that we aim to make a part of this program as any player I've had the opportunity to coach and as a result I'm thrilled to give her this leadership platform and continue to spread that influence into our roster and the CSU Athletic Department. Our group is very fortunate to have the combination of Essence and Helena to lean on and set the tone this season.
Novatsidis was honored as a member of the Cleveland State President's List in both semesters during the 2020-21 academic year, in addition to appearing in two games for the Vikes during the shortened 2021 spring season.
"Being a captain to me means being there consistently at all times for my teammates on and off the field," said Novatsidis. "I would put anyone on this team before myself and want each and everyone of us to succeed as an all around student-athlete here at Cleveland State. I will continue to lead by example for my teammates and provide constant support. Great things will be done by this team, collectively not individually, this year."
The Viking Fund
Fans of Cleveland State women's soccer are invited to join the Viking Fund by visiting www.csuvikings.com/VikingFund. The financial support benefits all 330+ student-athletes as they become champions in the classroom, in the community and through competition. For more information on the Viking Fund, contact Assistant Athletics Director Brandon Longmeier at b.longmeier@csuohio.edu or call (216) 630-2974.
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