Vanessa Pietramala of the Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) Thunder is the 2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer Player of the Year.

In addition, Pietramala was one of 14 student-athletes who have been named 2023 CCAA Women’s Soccer All-Canadians. See the full list below.

The student-athletes were honoured at the 2023 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship, hosted by Holland College in Summerside, PEI.

Pietramala, was a difference making two-way player in CUE’s 11-0-1 season, which included 65 team goals and 11 shut outs in their 12 matches. Her playmaking proficiency contributed significantly to her team's success. With a total of 25 points, she showcased not only her accuracy but also her strategic gameplay, making her a pivotal player in every match. Pietramala's two game-winning goals further underscored her ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

“As a third-year student-athlete, Vanessa’s teammates look up to her as a team leader that demonstrates confidence and maturity on and off the field”, said Marlene Ford, CCAA Women’s Soccer Convenor. “She is an incredibly talented midfielder, who excels as both a play maker and goal scorer. Vanessa has been instrumental to her team's success in a very competitive conference.”

The 2023-24 ACAC Women's Soccer North Player of the Year leads by example on and off the field. She is passionate about the sport and has a deep understanding of the game and an exceptional eye for the developing play. She has grown immensely in her time with the Thunder and is a key part of the team's abilities and confidence.

"Vanessa's dedication and skill on the field have been exceptional this season”, said Nathaniel MacLellan, CUE Director, Athletics & Recreation. “Her leadership as a midfielder has been instrumental in our team's victories. We are immensely proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to excel.”

Other nominees for the CCAA Women’s Soccer Player of the Year award were Saki Meshida of the VIU Mariners (Pacific Western Athletic Association), Paige Heide of the Providence Pilots (Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference), Shanice Alfred of the Seneca Sting (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association), Amelia Bouchard of the Élans de Garneau (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec) and Emily Lepine of the Holland Hurricanes (Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association).

The CCAA Women’s Soccer Player of the Year receives a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA.

2023 CCAA Women’s Soccer All-Canadians

Saki Meshida

Alanah Dulong

Vanessa Pietramala

VIU Mariners
PACWEST
Forward
Year 4

Capilano Blues
PACWEST
Midfield
Year 5

Concordia Thunder
ACAC
Midfield
Year 3

Meaghan Wiebe

Sofia Ovcharenko

Paige Heide

SAIT Trojans
ACAC
Striker
Year 3

Augustana Vikings
ACAC
Goalkeeper
Year 3

Providence Pilots
MCAC
Midfield
Year 4

Ayesha Umar

Shanice Alfred

Sage Thomas-Roberts

CMU Blazers
MCAC
Midfield
Year 3

Seneca Sting
OCAA
Forward   
Year 4

Durham Lords
OCAA
Striker
Year 2

Kaitlynn Russell

Amélia Bouchard

Mégane Gagnon

Humber Hawks
OCAA
Forward
Year 3

Élans de Garneau
RSEQ
Forward
Year 3

Aigles d'Ahuntsic
RSEQ
Forward
Year 1

Emily Lepine

Amanda Volcko

MSVU Mystics
ACAA
Striker
Year 5