Lady Cajuns Soccer signs Polman-Tuin

<blockquote><p align=justify>LOUISIANA La. — After the first recruiting call he placed, Louisiana soccer coach Dave Poggi knew that Kala Polman-Tuin was special.

“When I talked to her,” Poggi said, “it was like talking to somebody that was 23 years old instead of 18. You could tell how focused she was, and it’s not surprising to me that she’s already accomplished so much.”

Polman-Tuin, a former Canadian Provincial Team member from Vernon, British Columbia, became the eighth signee this year for Poggi and the Ragin’ Cajun squad on Wednesday.

The 5-foot-10 central midfielder and defender helped her under-16 Kelowna Rep Club team to a third-place finish and a bronze medal in the Canadian Nationals in 2003. She has played on British Columbia’s under-16 and under-17 province team over the last two seasons.

She also was class president and valedictorian of her senior class, and took a visit to the UL campus just prior to her graduation.

“I chose it for a number of reasons,” Polman-Tuin said. “The people there are incredible, very friendly and seem genuine. The coaches, girls and faculty were very helpful and fun to be around, and the campus has great character. It’s very beautiful.”

“From the first recruiting call, I could tell she was special,” Poggi said. “She will be a great addition to our program.”

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Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@lafayette.gannett.com <!--

Polman-Tuin was recruited by Northern Illinois, Middle Tennessee and Eastern Washington as well as Simon Fraser University in Canada.