Kish commits to Golden Bears

By Lethbridge Herald on February 14, 2025.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Chinook Coyotes football player Steven Kish signed his letter of intent earlier this week to start playing for the University of Alberta Golden Bears next season.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Chinook Coyotes football player Steven Kish is extending his football career beyond high school  as he signed his letter of intent earlier this week to play with the University of Alberta Golden Bears beginning this fall.

“U of A’s kind of been like a no-brainer for me,” said Kish.

“I’ve always wanted to go there and so to finally have it in writing, it feels really good.”

The Golden Bears culture was a selling factor for Kish.

“They have a really friendly environment and I love being there and I want to spend time with the guys there,” said Kish.

On top of having former teammates and friends already at U of A,  the city and a certain sports team also attracted him to head north.

“I’m a big Oilers guy, so I’d like to be a little bit closer,” said Kish.

“I always love taking trips to Edmonton, going to West Edmonton Mall, going to see all the  different things. They have a lot more to do there.”

Kish talked about how Chinook has prepared him for the next level.

“I’ve always had the support I needed,” said Kish.

“From Grade 9 (until) now, I’ve grown an insane amount due to (the) coaching and my teammates that I played with.”

Preparation is well underway for Kish’s university football career.

“I’ve been in the gym five times a week doing the work program they gave me and doing some football training wherever I can,” said the offensive tackle.

Kish anticipates he will red shirt next year where he will participate in practices and develop as a player but not dress for games, which is common for most players making the jump from high school to university football until they progress on to the active roster.

He is enrolling in the education program at U of A.

“Stevey’s put in the work for sure,” said Nick Straat, Coyotes football head coach.

“He’s gone to camps, he’s in the weight room, he’s doing plyometrics, he’s doing the sprint stuff (and) getting himself ready to try and contribute at the next level.”

Straat sees Kish as a player that is not particularly vocal but one that leads by example.

“He’ll go out and do the things you ask of him and show everybody else how that’s supposed to be done,” said Straat.