Red Deer Polytechnic Queens soccer team has national-calibre roster in 2025-26

Among the returning players are two of last season’s top scorers—Olivia Lundell (seven goals) and McKenna Leslie (six), both from Red Deer. Alisha Coules, who also tallied seven goals last year, has returned to the coaching staff after completing her five years of eligibility.

Jana Leskewich (bachelor of education), a second-year goalkeeper, who posted the third best goals against average (0.92) in the South Division in 2024-25, will be complemented in net by veteran Jessie Stewart. Previously an assistant coach, Stewart last played for the Queens in 2017, bringing experience and leadership.

“Jessie is a very good goalie,” noted Peyrow, an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women’s Soccer South Coach of the Year. “I believe she is capable of earning ACAC All-Conference honours this year.”

Defenders Jattu Sesay, Cara Lord, Jaeda Marquart, Payton Erick and Kyra Remekie have returned to the squad. Oliva Lundell and captain Paige Kalbfleisch are back as midfielders. Returning forwards Grace Smith, McKenna Leslie, Kennedy Van Arragon, Isabella Pritchard and Sein Furuyama will be key contributors to the Queens’ dynamic offence. Furuyama (visual art diploma) last played a full season with the Queens three years ago.

“It’s great having Sein back,” Peyrow said. “She broke several ACAC records during the 2022-23 ACAC season.”

One of Furuyama’s records included scoring a league-high 29 goals in one season, breaking the previous record set by NAIT’s Kayla Michaels (26). She earned a lengthy list of awards and accolades that year. In addition to being named a CCAA All-Canadian, Furuyama was recognized as the 2022-23 ACAC Female Soccer South Player and Rookie of the Year and an All-Conference selection.

Edmonton’s Zoey Fitzsimmons, Red Deer’s Bryce Hanusich and Kamloops’ Kiera McIntosh add further depth on the Queens’ defence. Kaia Bray, from Kamloops, Columbia’s Maria Torres Herrera, Red Deer’s Ava Balon and Japan’s Yuri Umino bolster the midfield.

The Queens’ preseason results reflect the team’s talent and potential. During four non-conference games, the RDP Queens achieved a 2-1-1 record which included a 1-1 draw against the University of Alberta Pandas of U Sports.

“This group attacks with purpose and pace. We have a very strong front five and our defence is solid,” Peyrow said. “Our first game against the U of A was a big one for us. The Queens played well and took on more possession and created more chances in the second half.”

Last year, the Queens (9-3) finished second in the ACAC Women’s Soccer South Division during the regular season and then were downed by the Keyano College Huskies in the bronze medal match. This year, they aim to go further.

The RDP Queens will host the SAIT Trojans on Saturday, September 13 at 12 p.m. for their home opener.

“The Queens just have to do their jobs and play with togetherness,” Peyrow added. “We do not want other teams to dictate the way we play our game. If the Queens play their game, the results will follow.”

Though they are guaranteed a spot at nationals as hosts, the team remains motivated.

“We don’t want to just be excited to be playing at nationals,” Peyrow said. “We want to show that we can compete at that level and earn a medal.”

For more information about RDP Queens Soccer, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.

by RDP Athletics

Red Deer Polytechnic Queens soccer team has national-calibre roster in 2025-26

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