The UFV Cascades men's soccer program has kicked off their 2023 recruiting class by signing eight new players in advance of next season. Daniel Ganief, Dylan Lee, Adam Szymanski, Kian Proctor, Kody Torrance, Gurnaj Sidhu, Harman Shergill, and Sebastian Insley will all join the Cascades squad for their upcoming Canada West campaign.

UFV head coach Tom Lowndes noted that newcomers will have a chance to compete for playing time in the upcoming season after graduating six seniors at the end of last season.

"We are getting a bit younger next year, so there are opportunities for younger players coming in. A lot of these players can play multiple positions, and having that versatility is huge. It helps put us in a good place for next season, and more importantly moving beyond, with some really great student athletes that can grow together."


Daniel Ganief
6'1" Winger, Surrey, BC
Seaquam Secondary / Surrey United

"I have known coach Tom for a few years and believe that he can make me a better player on and off the field," said Ganief. My goal with the Cascades is to be an asset to the team, become a starter, grow as a person and player, and win nationals."

"Daniel is an attacking player who will bring us some depth," noted Lowndes. "He's good in one vs one scenarios and has a good work rate, so I'm excited to see him come in and grow and progress and be a part of the team."


Dylan Lee
5'11" Midfielder, Coquitlam, BC
Dr Charles Best Secondary / CMFSC

"UFV has a strong and consistent soccer program, and coach Tom made me feel welcome, "Lee said of his choice to play for the Cascades. "I felt UFV was the right fit for me from both an athletic and academic standpoint."

"He likes to get the ball at his feet and can connect passes, but he's also athletic and can cover ground," said Lowndes. "He will come in and compete for minutes early on because of his work rate, and we're excited to bring him into the team."


Adam Szymanski
6'3" Centre Back, Port Coquitlam, BC
Terry Fox Secondary / CMF Monaco

"He can ping a great ball, he's big and strong in the air, and loves a challenge and a tackle," Lowndes explained about Szymanski. "He will compliment our other defenders well, and should be looking to play big minutes early in his career as he transitions into Canada West soccer."

Szymanski noted that the chance to play close to home and the environment at UFV was a large part of his decision.

"I chose UFV because it is close to home. I have some friends there, the coach is really nice, and it's a good environment."


Kian Proctor
6'3" Midfielder, Delta, BC
Seaquam Secondary / Coastal FC

"I want be a part of a successful Canada West team and win a championship," Proctor mentioned as goals for his time with the Cascades. "I chose to attend UFV so I could stay local and play in a well-established program."

"He's very versatile and has a good left foot on him," said Lowndes. "He can play as a winger or a central midfielder, and I'm really pleased to bring someone with his speed and athleticism into the team."


Kody Torrance
6'3" Goalkeeper, Surrey, BC
Sullivan Heights Secondary / Surrey United

"He will come in and compete with the three goalkeepers we currently have," Lowndes noted. "He's a good shot stopper with good distribution, so we're excited for him to come and challenge our other keepers and compete to play."

"When Tom came to me to talk about this program, I was really interested in what he was doing and where he wanted to get the program during my 5 years," said Torrance. "I want to do big things in Canada West and go on to nationals to represent UFV."


Gurnaj Sidhu
6'0" Defender / Midfielder, Surrey, BC
Enver Creek Secondary / Surrey United

"I chose UFV because we have the potential to make history at the university," Sidhu said about his decision to join the squad. "Making nationals and having a shot at winning nationals are my objectives with UFV."

"We're really pleased to bring someone of his quality in," said Lowndes. "He's a really smart player, really technical, and he has a real desire to win, so we're excited to see how he can transition to U SPORTS soccer this season."


Harman Shergill
5'9" Forward, Langley, BC
Panorama Ridge Secondary / Surrey United

"Two of my older cousins have graduated from UFV and they shared their memorable experience about it with me and I would just like to carry them on." Shergill said. "The goal I want to set with the team is to win a national title."

"He's going to provide us depth in wide attacking areas," Lowndes explained. "We're really happy to bring him in and see how he can adapt, build his game, and develop into a solid player in Canada West."


Sebastian Insley
5'8" Midfielder, Whitehorse, YT
WL Seaton Secondary / TOFC

"He had some good experience with the Yukon team at the Canada Games and he's a very technical midfielder, Lowndes stated. "We are excited to bring in some cover in central midfield and as he progresses early on, see him contribute to the team."

Insley, who will be studying kinesiology at UFV, noted that both the academic and soccer program influenced his decision to join the squad.

"Academically the school has a very good kinesiology program which I plan to pursue, and I am very passionate about soccer. I want to elongate my soccer career at a high level. I want to win the league, and I want to perform to the best of my abilities when I am playing."