OAKVILLE – We are pleased to announce that Rush Canada’s Shaydon Leiba has committed to Laurier University.

Laurier University is located in Waterloo, Ontario and the Golden Hawks compete in the OUA.

Shaydon is a member of our League 1 Reserve Team and has been a long standing member of the Rush Select Program through which he was exposed to numerous international events and played under Coach Chris Panayiotou.

Select Coach Panayiotou said “I met Shaydon at the age of 13 through the Rush Select program.  Shaydon has been in the Rush Select pool and team since then.  It has been great watching Shaydon grow and develop into a fine footballer with a great growth mindset and abilities.  Shaydon has been on many trips and events with us and always exceeded expectations on and off the pitch.  Shaydon is a great player with pace and a great right foot and has played well in a variety of positions.  What has excited me more about Shaydon though is that he is a quality human being.  He is caring and kind and this shows by the way he treats people he knows and those he doesn’t know.  Whether it is a simple thank you to the hotel or wait staff or going out of his way to clean up after his team mates off the pitch.  Whether it is making that run an extra 5 yards to support that teammate he is an exceptional human being who’s work ethic, drive, determination and tenacity will serve him well through life.  He is a man of character and value.  When you speak or meet his family it’s easy to see where these values have been embedded.  I am so happy that Shaydon found a fit at Laurier and will continue to make a difference to the University and the people he meets.”

M⚽️ adds Shaydon Leiba to their 2021 recruit class! Welcome Shaydon 💜💛 #SoarAbove https://t.co/w4nc8iiEoY

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) December 14, 2020

Panayiotou continued: “I am so honored to have been a small part of his journey and I am happy to have had him as part of my journey and I have learned so much from him. Shaydon be proud of yourself and know that your Rush Family and Rush Select Family are proud of you. Keep going and keep growing and continue to respond well in adversity and set-backs. Continue to reflect and do not forget us when you are a big timer, continue to strive for excellence in all you do!”

Congratulations Shaydon!