VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds are thrilled to announce the commitment of two terrific local talents for the 2020 season in Chris Lee and Connor Mrazek.
"Both of these young players are great fits for our program," said UBC head coach Mike Mosher who enters his 25th season with the T-Birds. "Chris and Connor are both very strong academic performers, good players with excellent character, strong work ethic and are very coachable."
Lee is a versatile defender/midfielder and has spent several years with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy program.
From West Vancouver, Lee joined Whitecaps FC Residency in 2015 and is currently on their U19 side while on a gap year having graduated high school last June.
"Chris is a player we have had interest in for quite some time and we are very happy he will be a T-Bird next season," said Mosher. "He's a great fit in our program in so many ways – a very technical and intelligent left sided player. He has great versatility in that he can play as a left back or in central midfield. We expect him to have an immediate impact in the squad for the fall of 2020."
"I'm very grateful and excited for the opportunity I have been given with UBC," said Lee who is looking forward to studying Kinesiology starting this fall. "I look forward to competing for the national championship and am excited to play under such experienced coaches and with the talented players on the team."
Mrazek doesn't have to travel far to continue his education at UBC as he is currently enrolled in grade 12 at nearby Prince of Wales High School.
"Connor is a terrific young man and I'm very pleased to have him joining our program," said Mosher of the central midfielder. "He's a technically sound, intelligent player who I think will thrive in our environment and I look forward to seeing his progress over the years. I've known Connor since he was about 11 years old as I helped coach him some when he was with the local Vancouver United FC club and I always remembered a talented and hard working player with a great attitude."
Mrazek currently plays for Fusion FC of the BC Soccer Premier League.
"I'm looking forward to joining an amazing soccer program with an excellent coaching staff and an abundance of great players," said Mrazek who is also excited to join such an academically renowned institution where both his parents also attended. "One of my greatest strengths is the ability to create attacks by picking out forward passes in behind defences. I also have the ability to play quick and keep possession which will fit in with UBC's style."
Lee and Mrazek will join what's expected to be another contending force in the Canada West as the T-Birds will attempt to go for a fourth straight conference title.
"We're thrilled to add these two for next fall in addition to Markus Kaiser," added Mosher who is once again assembling a very strong recruiting class. "We anticipate a few more additions in the coming weeks."
