Kodiaks men’s soccer adds local product Hunter Bain

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s soccer team continues to build for the upcoming season with the addition of fullback Hunter Bain.

A hometown athlete, Bain comes to the Kodiaks after developing through the Lethbridge Football Club (LFC) and attending Catholic Central High School. For Bain, the decision to join the program was simple; it provided an opportunity to stay close to home, have the support of his family and community, and continue playing on a field he grew up on.

Bain brings versatility and a team-first mindset to the Kodiaks lineup. He is a leader who plays with aggression and intensity, qualities that have helped him stand out throughout his development.

Bain’s recruitment process dates back to his junior high days, when Kodiaks head coach Mike Racz first taught and coached him. That long-standing familiarity made it an easy decision for Racz to extend a post-secondary offer, knowing exactly what Bain would bring to the program.

“Hunter stood out to me not only because of his ability on the field, but also because of his character and familiarity with our program,” Racz says. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch him continue to grow and develop as both a player and a person. He understands the standards and expectations of our program, and his work ethic and attitude make him a natural fit for the Kodiaks environment.”

That connection played a key role in Bain’s decision to commit. Having been taught and coached by Racz in the past, and staying connected through camps and training sessions, Bain says the transition to the Kodiaks felt natural.

“I kind of already knew Mike from Grade 7 and we just built a good bond from there,” Bain says of the recruiting process, which he describes as “really easy.”

On the field, Bain’s reliability and work rate are expected to make an immediate impact as Racz highlights his ability to contribute in multiple roles, particularly along the back line and in wide areas.

His soccer résumé includes competing at a high level with LFC, highlighted by a third-place finish at the Halifax Canada Youth Cup, a Caledonia Cup championship and a runner-up finish at Tier II Provincials. 

Racz says these experiences have helped shape him into a competitive and driven player ready for the next step.

“Hunter is an industrious and reliable player who can contribute in multiple positions, primarily as a fullback or wide player,” Racz says. “He works hard on both sides of the ball and shows a strong commitment to supporting the team defensively while also getting forward to contribute in attack. His ability to transition between roles, combined with his energy and consistency, makes him a valuable asset in wide areas.”

Bain is set to join the Kodiaks men’s soccer team this fall while pursuing the General Arts and Science – Kinesiology program.

He is thankful for the coaches who have supported his development, with a special shout out to his mentor and former coach Jitse van den Hadelkamp.