University of Manitoba Athletics

In 2003, soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo impressed Manchester United in a pre-season friendly, so much so that the English club signed the forward for that upcoming season. The rest is history.

History somewhat repeated itself when Celeste Gallego starred for Chico’s Soccer School of Excellence in a friendly against the Manitoba Bisons. She contributed with two goals, prompting coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas to snap up the forward ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

“Chico spoke to Vanessa prior to the game and suggested that she should consider taking a look at me,” Said Gallego. “After the game she offered me a spot on the team. This program chose me – I never intended on playing with the Bisons. In the end I think this program was the right decision for me.”

Both coach and player are on the same page, as Gallego is eager to learn from the Bison’s more senior attackers – namely Bruna Mavignier, Alanna Shaw and now also new international recruit Florin Wagner. Already, Gallego possess two important traits as an attacking player – speed and attacking instincts. “I’m hoping that I can learn their style of playing, especially at such a high level,” Said Gallego. “I think that I’ll learn how to be aggressive and how to attack the net with confidence – Bruna, Alanna, and Florin are great strikers and I’m sure I can learn a lot from them.”

In 2016, Gallego appeared in her first game for the Bisons, however has a clear takeaway message heading into her second campaign. “If I were to apply this now I'd say keep working hard, don't complain and show your abilities with the limited opportunities you have as a rookie.”