OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham College men's soccer team open signing season with the addition of Thanos Kostakis ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Scarborough, Ont. native is joining the Lords as a centre back. Standing at 6-foot-1, Kostakis brings size, composure, and a wealth of experience to the back line as he transitions into the collegiate game.

For Kostakis, the decision to join Durham came down to relationships.

"I felt a good connection with the coaching staff and players," he said, describing the fit that made the Lords the right choice. That familiarity, paired with the program's competitive environment, set the stage for a promising debut season in Oshawa.

Kostakis arrives at Durham following previous post-secondary experience at Trent University and a strong youth résumé that includes stops with FC Durham and Whitby FC. 

Along the way, he built a reputation as a reliable presence in the heart of the defence, someone who iscomfortable on the ball, disciplined positionally, and effective in the air.

"Thanos is a player who reads the game well, competes hard, and fits the identity we're building here" said Head Coach Dave Ashfield. "We're excited to welcome him to the program and see his impact this season."

Some of his favourite memories have come from abroad, where the game took him far from home. 

"The best memories I have made during my career was travelling to numerous countries in Europe such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece for soccer," he said. Those experiences helped shape his perspective and prepared him for the demands of the college level.

As he steps onto the pitch in green and gold, Kostakis carries with him a sense of gratitude for the people who helped him reach this point. 

"Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have supported me throughout my career," he said.

The Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute graduate will be studying in the Firefighting - Pre-Service Education and Training Program in the fall.

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