After completing her third season as a member of the Lethbridge College Kodiaks, Yukoner Christine Moser was named the Alberta College Athletic Conference (ACAC) South Women's Player of the Year on Oct. 24.

The coaches from the other teams in the conference nominate the players they believe deserve the award. When Moser's name was announced, she said, it took her by surprise.

"It is an honour, I didn't think in any way I would be nominated," said Moser. "I didn't expect it at all. I didn't see myself as that good. I never tried to win awards, I just played because I love the sport and it's fun."

Moser played holding midfield for the Kodiaks, a position that requires her to defend and distribute the ball to the forwards. She played in 11 of the teams 12 games starting in 10 of them. She wracked up five goals and three assists.

The Kodiaks went 9-1-2 on the season.

It was a rocky start to the season for Moser as she dealt with injuries.

"I got a minor concussion at the beginning of the year so I was out for a few games," said Moser. "When I came back, I felt I wasn't playing to the best of my abilities. Then I had a bit of a hip strain and a rolled ankle."

Moser played holding midfield for the Kodiaks, a position that requires her to defend and distribute the ball to the forwards. She played in 11 of the teams 12 games starting in 10 of them. She wracked up five goals and three assists.

In the 2019-20 season, Moser said, she improved her game with coaching and more playing time. As well, she said, she pushed herself to play at a higher level.

Moser gave credit to her teammates in helping her win the award.

"They helped push me and become the player I am," said Moser.

She is now in her third year at Lethbridge College studying massage therapy but reflected on her time as a soccer player here in the Yukon.

"Definitely, the coaches there really shaped me," said Moser. "I had a few coaches who all really helped with skill-building."

The Kodiaks fell short of their goals this season, failing to make the championship game in Alberta and therefore missing nationals.

Next year will be the final semesters of her program and said the team will really be pushing to get to nationals.

"We are really going to push to go to nationals," said Moser. "Only two teams (from Alberta) go every year. We are probably going to have quite a few returning players."

Personally speaking, Moser said, winning the ACAC south Women's Player of the Year award is going to put a target on her.

"I think there will be a little added pressure," said Moser. "People are noticing me, and I'll have to be playing my best."

When reflecting on her stats from the season, Moser said she was happy with her goal totals but wants to fill out the score sheet more in the assist column.

"Five goals is good for me," said Moser. "I beat my total of three from last year. Playing holding midfield, it is more rare to score. I would like to get more assists."

Off the field, Moser said she wants to continue to stay fit and work on injury prevention so she can begin the year worry-free and healthy.

Having added the Player of the Year award to her trophy case, Moser said her sights are not set on repeating as the recipient.

"I just want to play and have fun," said Moser.

There is one award she hopes to repeat, however. Last season, she earned spots on the ACAC All-Conference team and Canadian

Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Academic All Canadian honours.

It's the latter award she is looking to repeat.

"Last year was the first year I won it," said Moser. "I got my GPA (grade point average) over 3.3. I got it again this year. It is a big source of pride. I push myself harder for it. It helps me prioritize school. I want that award."