(Read time: 6-7 min)
CapU Department of Athletics
With several recruits having been announced over the past few weeks, below is a comprehensive list of those who have been announced via our Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Men's Basketball
Daniel Abkenar
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
Previous Schools: Carson Graham Secondary
Club: 3D Basketball Academy
Height: 6'8"
Position: Power Forward/Centre
Coach Klim, "We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Abkenar to the Blues men’s basketball program. Daniel joins us as a post player who brings a strong physical presence in the paint and a willingness to battle under the hoop. His strength, size, and toughness around the rim will immediately boost our interior game on both ends of the floor. Daniel has demonstrated a great ability to hold position in the post, finish through contact, and provide second-chance opportunities with his rebounding effort. Defensively, his size and presence allow him to be a rim protector and a disruptor in the paint, which will be a key piece of our interior defense. He plays with a team-first mindset and a blue-collar work ethic that aligns perfectly with the values of our program. What excites us most about Daniel is not only what he brings right now, but the potential he has to grow into a key contributor over the course of his time with us. He is coachable, motivated, and hungry to develop his game further, and we are confident that our system and coaching staff will support his continued progression. Daniel will be a major addition to our frontcourt rotation, and we are looking forward to seeing his impact both on and off the court. Welcome to the Blues family, Daniel!"
Zach Hamed
Hometown: Port Moody, BC
Previous Schools: Heritage Woods Secondary, UVic
Height: 6'8"
Position: Forward
Hamed, “I’m excited for my return to basketball and grateful for the opportunity to suit up for Capilano University. After some time away, I’m looking forward to competing again, bringing experience to the squad, and helping the team however I can, on and off the court. Big thanks to everyone who’s been in my corner through the journey."
Coach Klim, "We are excited to welcome Zach Hamed to the Capilano Blues Men's Basketball program! Zach returns to the hardwood after stepping away to focus on his academic pursuits—a testament to his discipline and commitment both on and off the court. Now refocused and ready to compete, Zach brings renewed energy and a hunger to make an impact. Standing tall with a strong physical presence, Zach will be a key figure in the paint for us this season. He moves exceptionally well for his size and isn’t shy about embracing contact. His aggressive play around the hoop, combined with his ability to anchor the interior, will make him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor. We’re confident that Zach’s return to basketball will elevate the team. His presence adds much-needed depth and physicality to our frontcourt, and we look forward to seeing him assert himself as a difference-maker. Welcome to the Blues family, Zach!"
Zekun (Peter) Li
Hometown: Qingdao. Shandong, China
Previous Schools: Vancouver Island University, Dalhousie
Height: 6'1"
Position: Point Guard
Li, “CapU is the perfect location both academically and athletically for my future personal development.”
Women's Basketball
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Katelyn Kendall
Hometown: Maple Ridge, BC
Previous Schools: Westview Secondary
Club: Fraser Valley Selects
Height: 5'7"
Position: Striker/Central Attacking Midfielder
Kendall, “I am beyond excited to play for the Blues. Everyone, the girls and coaches, were super inviting and the environment is extremely positive!"
Coach Ring, "Katelyn is a physically dominant player whose strength and presence on the field make her a challenging matchup for any opponent. Whether in possession or defending, she consistently uses her body well, making it extremely difficult for opposing players to dispossess her or gain an advantage. In addition to her physicality, Katelyn brings strong technical skills and a solid understanding of the game, allowing her to make smart decisions under pressure and contribute effectively in a variety of roles. Her ability to combine strength with skill adds valuable depth to our roster. From the moment she joined the team, Katelyn was embraced by her teammates—a reflection of both her positive attitude and her willingness to contribute to the team culture. We are excited to see how she continues to grow within our program and are confident that she will make a meaningful and lasting impact throughout the season."
Leah Herald
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
Previous Schools: Sutherland Secondary
Club: Burnaby FC
Height: 5'3"
Position: Centre Defending/Attacking Midfielder
Herald, “I am super excited to be joining the CapU women’s soccer team this year. I chose CapU because it is a perfect fit for me both on and off the field. The women’s soccer program has a great reputation for having a strong team environment and being highly competitive. All players and staff members are incredibly supportive and welcoming. I’m looking forward to continuing my soccer career at CapU and pursuing my academic goals.”
Coach Ring, “We’re thrilled to welcome Leah to the team officially! Leah is a player who brings an exciting blend of technical skill, explosive pace, and creativity that’s hard to come by. Her ability to read the game, take players on, and create opportunities out of nothing will add a whole new dimension to our squad.”
Samantha Misceo
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC
Previous Schools: Burnaby North Secondary
Club: Fusion FC
Height: 5'7"
Position: Forward
Misceo, "I chose CapU to continue my soccer career because of the positive environment, and the team was extremely welcoming. I can't wait to further my education in the Kinesiology program."
Coach Ring, "Sam is an exciting and dynamic attacking player who consistently brings energy, creativity, and confidence to the final third. She is a constant offensive threat, not afraid to take on defenders in 1v1 situations and always looking to create goal-scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her movement off the ball, combined with her vision and technical ability, allows her to unlock defenses in a variety of ways. What truly sets Sam apart is her creativity—both in how she reads the game and in the unpredictable, instinctive decisions she makes under pressure. In addition to her natural talent, Sam is highly coachable and shows a genuine desire to grow as a player. She consistently seeks feedback, takes instruction well, and applies it with purpose. Her drive to improve, paired with her attacking instincts, makes her a valuable asset to any team."
Men's Volleyball