Versatile scorer commits to CBU women’s soccer for 2025-26

By Corey LeBlanc

BEDFORD – One of the top snipers in the Maritimes has committed to the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's soccer program for the 2025-26 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) season.

"I wanted to go somewhere I could work hard – both academically and athletically," Julie Sampson said of her decision.

The Bedford, Nova Scotia native found that sought-after combination on the Sydney campus, where she will wear Caper colours and take the pitch at Ness Timmons Soccer Field. "I was also looking for a university where I could play winning soccer," she added of selecting CBU, which includes a group of "awesome" coaches with the Capers.

Although the 16-year-old garnered interest from universities not only across Canada, but also the United States, Sampson noted that her CBU campus visit helped seal the deal. "Everyone was really nice," she remembered.

One of the highlights was having the chance to meet prospective Caper teammates, who were "super friendly and welcoming." Along with the fitness and training facilities, Sampson – who will study in the Bachelor of Science program, focusing on the field of health sciences – praised the educational side of the offerings found at CBU.

Becoming a Caper also fulfilled her desire to move away from home, but not too far, for her post-secondary student-athlete experience. "It will be a great place for me," Sampson offered.

Veteran CBU head coach Stephen "Ness" Timmons agreed, describing her as a "perfect fit" for the well-established culture with the Caper women's soccer program, including Sampson's commitment to work hard both athletically and academically. "Julie is a quality person – on and off the field," he said, predicting Sampson should contribute to the Capers' "great record," when it comes to producing Academic All-Canadians.

As for the start in her beloved sport, the Grade 12 at C.P. Allen High School admitted it wasn't a case of love at first site; or boot, if you will. "I tried a lot of sports," Sampson remembered of growing up – a list that included gymnastics, baseball and – of course, soccer. Although she spent plenty of time in her family's driveway kicking the ball with her father, she noted, "It didn't stand out." That began to change, especially when she started scoring goals.

"I was hooked," Sampson said, with a laugh, of the acquiring her thirst to find the back of the net.

Her development continued in the Bedford-based Suburban Football Club (FC). Before long, she was leaving her mark with Soccer Nova Scotia. And, since 2011, she has taking the pitch with Canada Soccer's Regional EXCEL (REX) program for female players in the province.

Most recently, when it comes to her on-field development and accomplishments, Sampson – with Suburban FC's U17 'AAA' Academy Elite – tallied 16 goals in 18 matches to top the Nova Scotia Soccer League (NSSL) loop this summer. Last year, she potted 14 goals to finish second in the league's scoring race.

Noting soccer IQ, she also pointed to her speed, fitness and technical ability when asked about the strengths of her game. "I think I have a great work rate and strong field awareness," Sampson offered, describing herself as an "aggressive" player.

That latter attribute, she agreed, is a key ingredient of her strong ability 1-v-1. "I love challenging defenders," Sampson said.

And, of course, there is her offensive prowess – both as a scorer and a playmaker – which is bolstered by a multi-dimensional skill set, including her field vision, which allows her to play more than one position. "I can blow by people," Sampson explained of using her speed when on the wing, while her shooting ability takes centre stage as a striker.

On that theme, Timmons offered, "Julie will bring tremendous versatility to our program," noting that his incoming first-year student-athlete can also slot in as a center midfielder. "Julie is experienced and performs at a high level, which we believe will continue when she takes that next step [to the AUS]," he added.

Timmons also noted the importance of Sampson's arrival coinciding with the wind down of a sensational five-year career this season for "goal producer extraordinaire" Ally Rowe, the AUS single season and all-time goal scorer for women's varsity soccer. "Julie is a goal scorer – she has proven it as every level," he offered, in estimating the new Caper recruit will help fill the offensive void left by the two-time AUS most valuable player and U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian.

Timmons noted that he expects her to play "valuable minutes" for CBU in her freshman season. Sampson realizes that there will be a period of adjustment, considering she will be playing at the "top level."

"I think that I am ready for it," she said.

The move across the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton from mainland Nova Scotia will serve as a homecoming, of sorts, considering she made many childhood trips to Sydney to visit family and friends, including her grandmother, Jean Dicks. As for how Sampson will feel when she dons Caper orange for the first time:

"It is going to be awesome – I am super excited."

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