Juliana Mack Greco is one of the most improved players on the Niagara College Knights women’s soccer team this season.

The 19-year-old Welland native got her feet wet at the OCAA (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) level last season as a rookie and this year has taken the next step.

“She’s earned a starting role on the left wing and she’s contributing this year, so kudos to her,” Knights coach Rob Lalama said. “It took her a season to adjust, which is this year.

“I’m pleasantly surprised what she’s contributing.”

The Centennial graduate chalks up her improved play to experience.

“It’s easier (this year) but it’s probably just confidence,” she said. “It was difficult just because it’s just a faster pace and I had never played that level before so I guess this year I’m used to it more.”

Lalama said the jump to post-secondary from high school is huge.

“It’s a more skilled game and it’s more physical so if you’re not used to playing at that kind of level, either you adjust or you don’t,” he said. “You need to have all of those things — speed, skill, physicality, soccer IQ — and because everything’s faster, you need to be smarter.”

The veteran coach likes Mack Greco’s skill set.

Click here to read the full article on BP Sports Niagara.