Emily MacNeil to bring size, skill to Capers

By Corey LeBlanc

Growing up in Trenton – a former steel-making town in Pictou County, Nova Scotia – Emily MacNeil fell in love with basketball.

"I liked it more than any other sport I played, so I stuck with it and here I am now," the 17-year-old student-athlete says.

MacNeil hit the hardwood for the first time in Grade 5 – beginning a journey that continues as one of the top high school players in the province; and, as of a few days ago, the latest recruit to commit to the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's basketball program.

"I always preferred team sports – playing with other people," she explains, noting the many friendships she has formed over the years through basketball.

As she continued to work tirelessly on her skills, MacNeil began to believe she could compete at a high level – an idea cemented when she garnered a spot on a Basketball Nova Scotia (BNS) U14 team in Grade 7.

"It gave me a lot of confidence," she says.

Now in Grade 12 – the 5'10" forward is in her fourth season with the North Nova Education Centre Gryphons, a program that will be in the hunt for a School Sport Nova Scotia Division 1 championship banner in March.

MacNeil has steadily improved in a Gryphon uniform; after being named the team's top rookie in 2020, she followed with most improved (2021) and most valuable player (2022) awards.

"It was great," she says of her December recruiting trip to the CBU campus, describing it as the "big reason" she decided to don Caper orange next season.

The facilities – both athletic and academic – impressed her.

"I knew that it would be a great environment for me," MacNeil adds.

She fondly remembers how her soon-to-be coaches and teammates treated her.

"Everyone was so nice – I felt like I belonged right away," she says.

CBU head coach Fabian McKenzie recalls how MacNeil made an "immediate impact" during that recruiting trip.

"Everyone fell in love with her," he says, adding, "We definitely enjoyed her visit."

McKenzie agrees that she will be a tremendous addition to the "great culture" that has been built and maintained by the Capers.

"Emily is the type of student-athlete that we want to bring into our program," he says.

MacNeil, who will study in the Bachelor of Science program at CBU, is the first player from Pictou County to suit up for the Capers under McKenzie.

"Emily has a great attitude and work ethic," the CBU mentor says, noting those qualities apply both athletically and academically.

McKenzie adds the soon-to-be freshman's "solid" skill set includes the ability to score – not only from the perimeter but also near the basket.

"Emily will also add size to our front court," he notes.

And, being a left-hander adds "another dimension" to her game, according to McKenzie.

"It is a definite advantage," MacNeil says of being a southpaw, noting defenders often lean towards "forcing me [to the] right."

She adds, "It can give me the upper hand going to the basket."

Noting her versatility, MacNeil says "working very hard" is a key to her success.

She adds, "I focus on being consistent," when it comes to scoring, rebounding and playing defense.

When asked what sort of impact he expects MacNeil to make, as a first-year player in Atlantic University Sport (AUS), he explains there a "lot of factors" for every player who makes the jump to the collegiate level.

"Emily has the work ethic and mentality," McKenzie says, while noting her experience playing at a "high level" with the provincial program.

Nevertheless, he notes, because the AUS is so "fast and physical," there will always be a transition period.

"We are not going to weigh down Emily with expectations," McKenzie says.

He knows MacNeil will be a key contributor to the Caper program, whether it is "right away or down the road."

McKenzie reiterates that she has the willingness to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

"It is going to be a great challenge," MacNeil offers of making the adjustment to the "faster pace" at the university level.

She also notes that players are "strong and faster," with the ability to make "quicker decisions" on the floor.

"I am going to work hard every day to improve my skills and prepare for the next level," MacNeil says.

She notes she will be ready for her first Caper training camp in the fall.

"I am really excited, and so grateful for the opportunity."

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