As the all-time leading scorer in UBC Okanagan Heat women's soccer history, fifth-year forward
Abigail Taneda didn't have the easiest path to the top of the mountain.
In fact, her journey to UBCO didn't officially start until she was offered a roster spot just weeks before her first season on campus.
Having grown up in Kelowna, B.C., Taneda knew all about the Heat and head coach
Craig Smith, who was also coaching Taneda as part of the Thompson Okanagan Football Club at the time.
But, Smith didn't have any spots left on his roster, so Taneda was left to look at other options around the province.
Then, just as she was about to commit to another school, Smith pulled her aside and told her he was able to make space for her on the team, if she wanted it.
A few tears later from her parents, and Taneda was officially a member of the Heat, a life-changing experience that has been a perfect match ever since.
Rookie challenges
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Despite earning a roster spot just before her rookie season, Taneda's challenges weren't over yet.
Far from it, in fact.
Taneda didn't start a game for the first half of the season, a frustrating experience for a player used to being on the pitch at all times.
But, she kept her head down, got her first opportunity to play later that season, and has started every game since.
"It was a mental challenge in my first year not getting playing time, but I showed up to every practice and put in the work," said Taneda. "I knew I had to make that opportunity count, and I've now started every game since. It's been an amazing experience these last five years with the Heat."
Defensive work rate
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According to coach Smith, what makes Taneda so valuable to the Heat is her work rate on both sides of the ball.
Taneda's ability to press and make defensive plays is a big reason why she's been able to start every game for the Heat for the past four years.
"Defensively, we try to get as compact as possible so if the first press is beat, we will always have back up," said Taneda. "This reassurance allows me to go into challenges with confidence because I know my teammates are behind me with support. On the other hand, I try to be a player my teammates can rely on, so I believe that is what drives my defensive work rate on the field."
It is this defensive effort up top that is a big reason why the Heat have become such a tough team to score on. Last season, they set a team record for fewest goals allowed in a Canada West season and are once again proving their stinginess this season, with three clean sheets through their first eight games.
Offensive consistency
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Taneda credits her teammates for her consistency offensively, as she's always looking to set up her teammates with chances to score goals.
"If you look at my stats, the majority of my points are assists, so I wouldn't have most of these points if someone wasn't there to convert my crosses or through balls," said Taneda.
"The goals I do have are accredited to my teammates that built up the entire play. The truth is I have skilled, hardworking teammates that I just try my best not to let down, and they are the ones that make me look a lot better than I actually am."
In 59 career games, Taneda has scored seven goals and registered 18 assists for 25 points — the most in UBCO Heat history.
Her three assists this season, which ranks her inside the top 10 in the Canada West conference in the category, are a big reason why the Heat have nine points in their first eight games, and are firmly in a position to reach the playoffs once again.
With the Heat earning a playoff spot in each of the last two seasons, Taneda has one goal in mind for her final season with the Heat.
"I think this year our goal is to pass the first round of playoffs and clinch a spot to compete at nationals," said Taneda. "For us seniors, this is our last opportunity, so we really need to make this season count. And selfishly, I need to make nationals just so that I can play as many games as possible with my team before I have to say goodbye."
