VANCOUVER – Another highly sought-after recruit has chosen to commit to the UBC men's soccer team as defender Daniel Kaiser will join the Thunderbirds in the fall of 2018.

A native of Calgary, the 17-year-old joined the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency Program for the 2016-17 season and is a product of the Calgary Foothills FC organization.

"I am looking forward to many things during my time at UBC but mostly what I can do to help this team win a national championship," said Kaiser. "I know that UBC has a history of being a top team in Canada and I am very excited to be a part of it."
 
Kaiser marks the second big recruiting piece this off-season for the Thunderbirds joining another former member of the Whitecaps Residency program, forward Thomas Gardner who committed to UBC last month.
 
"We are thrilled that Daniel has chosen to come to UBC to further his academic and soccer pursuits," said UBC head coach Mike Mosher. "I see Daniel as a player who will be a very strong U SPORTS student athlete and a player that we are counting on to compete for a spot on the squad immediately. We believe he should be an impact defender in Canada West for years to come.  He brings all the attributes one looks for in a defender, but I really like his character and soccer intelligence."
 

Kaiser describes himself as a ball-carrying defender and is excited to join a squad he feels suits his style of play.
 
"I believe that UBC is great for me for many reasons, not the least of which is location. I love the city and especially the areas around UBC. Being from Calgary, which is very cold, being able to play soccer outside all year is key for me and I know that I will enjoy every moment of that. I enjoy the outdoors a lot as well and I am excited to explore around the campus and city."
 
The Kaiser name is a familiar one around soccer circles as Daniel's father is a former All Canadian at the University of Alberta and went on to play professionally.
 
"I played with and against his father, Burk Kaiser, many years ago in Canada West and the old Canadian Soccer League," added Mosher.  "Burk was a quality, tough, and honest defender in his day."
 
Daniel is looking to follow in his father's footsteps and is aiming to help the Thunderbirds in their quest for a 14^th national title in this fall's U SPORTS tournament which will be hosted by UBC.