Northside product MacDougall commits to Caper women’s soccer

By Corey LeBlanc

Elle MacDougall has put in the hard work required to fulfill one of her childhood dreams, which will come true in the next few months.

"I remember going to games with my mom (Jennifer) and thinking how much I wanted to be on the field," the 18-year-old says of her memorable moments watching the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's soccer program.

This fall, the Grade 12 student at Memorial Composite High School in Sydney Mines will don Caper orange and take the pitch with her beloved team.

"It has always been my goal," the center midfielder adds.

MacDougall explains that she has always wanted to be part of the winning tradition established by veteran head coach Stephen 'Ness' Timmons and his coaching staff, along with the countless accomplished student-athletes who have left an indelible mark on Caper Athletics.

"I am really looking forward to the experience," she says.

MacDougall praises the "culture and winning tradition" that she is now part of with the Capers.

The journey to fulfilling her dream for the Georges River native began when she was four years old.

"I played a lot of sports," she notes.

As for what drew her to the pitch, MacDougall explains, "I really liked the team aspect – having the opportunity to work together with my teammates to reach our goals."

While playing with her hometown Northside Storm Soccer Club, one of her first coaches – Chad Power, who is also the long-time goalkeeping coach with the Capers – encouraged her to tackle a high level of competition, which meant making the move to the Cape Breton Football Club (CBFC).

MacDougall did just that – spending several years developing her game with CBFC. She also has experience playing with Soccer Nova Scotia, along with four seasons as a leader of her high school squad – the Memorial Marauders.

"I fell in love with it," she offers of how her passion for the sport grew as she moved up the ranks.

That dedication to the game is one of the qualities that appealed to Timmons and his Caper staff.

"Elle is the type of student-athlete that we are looking for in our program," he says.

Describing her as a "technically sound" player, Timmons credits MacDougall for the tireless effort she has put into developing her talents.

He adds, of her performance with CBFC and Soccer Nova Scotia, "Elle has done very well."

Timmons notes her "composure" on the field, including the ability to handle the ball while "under pressure."

He explains that the "challenge" for MacDougall will be "making the jump to the AUS level," particularly with a perennially contending program; one that will kick off next season as defending conference championships.

"Elle is really willing to learn," Timmons says, which he notes will be a key to her success.

Noting the she has the "right attitude," including patience and an understanding that she will have to put in the work to earn her playing time.

"The pace of the game – I think that will be the toughest," MacDougall offers of the move to the AUS.

She adds, "Everyone is so skilled at that level, so I know will have to be ready."

When asked about the strengths of her game, MacDougall begins, "I am hard working, and I really go after the ball."

She adds, "I see the field really well," which she offers contributes greatly to her skill as a passer.

MacDougall says she has the ability to quickly get the ball to her wings and strikers.

She understands that preparing for the rigors of an AUS season is a year-round process.

Along with varsity athletics, MacDougall will tackle a demanding schedule academically – majoring in chemistry and biology – in CBU's Bachelor of Science program.

"Elle is a terrific student," he says of the aspiring doctor, who plans on pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon.

Timmons adds that MacDougall is a "tremendously hard worker" – both on the pitch and in the classroom.

"We are really looking forward to working with Elle, and having her as part of our program."

MacDougall has already started getting ready for her first Caper training camp in late August, noting that she realizes she needs to be in "the best shape of my life."

"I can't wait – I know it is going to be a lot of fun," MacDougall says.

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