Kanata soccer star caught in dispute

August 29, 2001
By ANDY WATSON, Sun Sports

Kristina Kiss is anxious to get back on a university soccer pitch. But she isn't interested in joining the team that could get her in uniform right away.

The national team and Ottawa Fury midfielder is caught in the middle of a dispute over her NCAA rights between Oklahoma State and Penn State that is keeping her off the field south of the border. While she could suit up immediately at home for the Carleton Ravens -- the hosts for the Canadian university championships -- Kiss won't do so because of what she feels is a lack of talent on the team.

It's the same reason Kiss wants out of Oklahoma State, the school which offered her a full athletic scholarship in March 2000. This summer, the school offered the Kanata native a qualified release, which gave her the opportunity to sign with another NCAA school. But it would mean having to sit out a full year before being able to play again. Kiss decided to stay in Ottawa again this year and lobby for a full release from OSU for next season. She said her decision to remain home stems from a bitter relationship with Cowgirls coach Karen Hancock, and a lack of talent on the squad.

"I'm still upset they didn't give me a full release," she said. "The coach has some sort of personal vendetta she holds against me. She is fully aware that I will never play for her (school)."

This year, Kiss talked with Penn State about making a move to play for the Nittany Lions, a team she feels is quite competitive. "NCAA schools are generally competitive. I would love to play there next year," said Kiss. But the bad relationship with Hancock might throw a wrench into her plans to transfer to Penn State. Because Kiss refused its full scholarship offer, Oklahoma State won't grant Kiss a full release to allow her to play for the Lions. Hancock was unavailable for comment.

Nittany Lions coach Paula Wilkins said Kiss showed "great interest" in playing for Penn State and that she would be a welcome addition.

"It'd be great to have her here in the future," Wilkins said, adding she couldn't comment on the OSU's decision not to release Kiss because of NCAA rules. "We're working really hard to try to get her in a Penn State uniform for next season."

Kiss said she still hopes OSU will grant her a full release for next season, which would allow her to play next year at any NCAA school.

Ottawa Fury GM and Carleton coach Andy Nera believes Kiss' game would improve significantly at the NCAA level. Kiss decided not to play with Nera's squad at Carleton because of the team's lack of competitiveness and a high degree of time commitment for varsity soccer.

"I want to focus on my school next year," said Kiss, who will play with a AAA Under-17 men's team in Quebec to maintain a competitive level of soccer.