Acevedo to bring strength, and experience to Caper back line

Acevedo to bring strength, and experience to Caper back line

Recruit primed to join 'dynamic program'

By Corey LeBlanc

Makenna Acevedo has never been to Cape Breton, something that is going to change later this year.

"I do know that is absolutely beautiful, and I am looking forward to seeing everything," the native of Barrie, Ontario, says.

When she arrives on the east coast in late August, it will mark the start of what is hoped to be an extended stay for the Grade 12 student-athlete.

"I can't wait," Acevedo says of kicking off her first training camp with the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's soccer program.

The 18-year-old is the latest recruit signed by head coach Stephen 'Ness' Timmons and the defending Atlantic University Sport (AUS) champions.

"It is such a dynamic program," Acevedo offers of the perennial contenders.

As for her decision to attend CBU and don Caper orange, she notes that – during most of the university recruiting process – she eyed opportunities south of the border.

"I wanted to go to the [United] States for a long time," Acevedo says.

Once she discovered and learned more about Timmons and the Capers, her focus turned to the east coast of Canada.

"I knew that I really wanted to be a part of it," Acevedo says of CBU's rich soccer history, one she notes is highlighted by an unmatched commitment to defense and a "tremendous work ethic."

Noting that her "size and strength" is AUS-ready, Timmons suggests that the jump to the university level should be easier for Acevedo. Nevertheless, he points out, that doesn't mean the incoming freshman will not face hurdles – ones common especially for back-line players; not to mention that she will be competing for playing time with a well-established Caper defense.

Timmons says Acevedo will be a contributor from the 'get-go.'

He adds, "Makenna will be fine" when it comes to the coming soccer transition, which will benefit from having "plenty of experience" playing against senior and university players. 

As for what the newcomer will bring to his program, Timmons explains that the "physically mature" center back is "great at starting the play out of the back."

The Caper mentor adds that her skills in the defensive third are also up to the challenge.

"She is a great leader and teammate."

Timmons says Acevedo is the type of student-athlete that he and his coaches want in their program, ones that are not only strong athletically but also academically.

"Everyone speaks very highly of her," he adds.

Like countless other Canadian youngsters, Acevedo – as a four-year-old – had her first formal experience on the pitch as part of the Timbits' national training program.

"We are a big sports family, especially soccer," she says, noting she followed in the footsteps of her three older brothers.

She adds, with a laugh, "I kept at it, and here I am."

Because of her high-end talent, in those early years, Acevedo often took the field with and against players a year or two older than her.

"I knew that I wanted more," Acevedo remembers of her decision – as a U-12 player – to join the Vaughan Soccer Club, which meant approximately having to tackle two-hour round trips to pursue her passion.

Heading south to the environs of Toronto was key to providing her with opportunities against higher-level competition.

"It was the best move for me," she offers.

Acevedo has played "one year up" since joining the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL).

"The competitiveness," she begins when asked about what – other than the family tradition – has fed her passion for the pitch.

Acevedo adds her goal is "to win" every time that she plays a game.

"I love that feeling," she says of coming out victorious.

Acevedo also embraces the "team aspect" of the sport, describing her teammates over the years as "like family."

"There is nothing better than playing together – experiencing and sharing in that success," she explains.

When it comes to her position on the field – Acevedo notes that she has "always loved it."

She offers that being in the middle of the field, while having the chance to possess the ball a great deal, has always appealed to her.

"I love controlling the tempo of the game," Acevedo says while reflecting on her strengths.

Acevedo adds that remaining "relaxed and calm", especially with the ball, are also "strong suits."

On the defensive side, she says, "I love to be aggressive," adding that she takes pride in her skills one-on-one.

When it comes to "making the jump" to the university level, Acevedo notes the common themes of adjusting to "game speed and intensity."

"I know that I will have to be ready to play fast and match that [intensity]," she explains.

Acevedo says she will also have to be at the top of her game physically when she arrives for her first CBU training camp.

"I will be in the best shape that I can be," she adds.

As for expectations in her freshman season, Acevedo offers, "I want to come in and help in any way I can," describing the upcoming season as a "big one" for the defending AUS champions.

Of course – like any competitor – she wants to be on the pitch as much as possible. Nevertheless, no matter how much playing time she receives, Acevedo explains that will not change her level of effort; the primary focus is providing whatever the Capers need from her to repeat as AUS title holders.

On the academic side, she has enrolled in CBU's Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment program.

"I am not entirely sure," Acevedo says of her career aspiration, other than pursuing professional soccer opportunities if they develop.

When it comes to putting her university degree to work, she adds that she has always wanted to do something related to the conservation, protection, and sustainability of the environment.

Asked how she thinks she will feel when she takes the pitch for the first time in a CBU uniform, Acevedo says, "It is something that I have been dreaming of my whole life [playing university soccer]."

She adds that she will be proud to represent not only CBU and the Caper women's soccer program but also the Island.

"I am going to give it my all."

-30-