Standout center back commits to CAPERS 

By Corey LeBlanc  

ST. JOHN'S – It is safe to say that Sarah Baker kicked a soccer ball not long after she took her first steps. 

"I was two [years old]," the native of St. John's, Newfoundland said, with a laugh, of the start in her beloved sport. It wasn't long before the now standout center back was making her mark with the prestigious St. John's Soccer Club. "It has always been my favourite," the 17-year-old multi-sport athlete offered of her passion for the 'beautiful game.' 

Coincidentally, while attending a national rugby tournament in Ontario, Baker reflected on her love for soccer and her decision to don CAPER orange with the women's soccer program. "I was always just drawn to it," she said of the sport. Noting the "quick pace," Baker said the "adrenaline rush" and decision-making involved have always appealed to her. 

"I am always hard on myself," she offered of when she began to think she could play at a high level. With that in mind, Baker explained it was her parents and coaches who started to recognize and acknowledge her talent. "It gave me a lot of confidence," she said of that positive feedback. 

Along with climbing the ladder with the St. John's Soccer Club, Baker has consistently left her mark with the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA), including – most recently – the 2024 Toyota Canada Soccer U17 National Championships in Sydney over the Thanksgiving weekend. 

By the time she was 14, having established a strong reputation for her strength and athleticism on the pitch – not to mention her prowess as a stout defender, she earned her first call-up to the senior level with Holy Cross, the prestigious women's program based in St. John's. "I get knocked about a bit," Baker said, when it comes to how playing against older and stronger players have benefitted her development. In 2025, she will lace up her cleats as a full-time member of the Holy Cross roster. "It teaches you how to think more quickly and move the ball faster," Baker added of her opportunities at the senior level, along with making decisions "more effectively." 

Not surprisingly, considering her place on the field, she started with defending when asked about her strengths. "I love to drive with the ball," Baker explained of her ability to lead the play up the field. Her teams have come to rely on her skill on set pieces, such as free and corner kicks. And, she added with a laugh, "Headers are fun," of her recognized skill 'in the air.' 

As for the university recruiting process, which included plenty of interest from U.S. universities, not to mention many from across Canada, including B.C., Baker noted she didn't know a great deal about Cape Breton University (CBU). But that soon changed after veteran CBU head coach and mentor Stephen "Ness" Timmons made in-person contact with her and her grandparents. 

"It was an amazing experience," Baker said of her summer visit to the CBU campus, where she learned how "well developed" the university is – both athletically and academically. Throughout the process, she explained, the "open communication" she has enjoyed with Timmons and CAPERS' assistant coach Mitchell Hanna has been a key to confirming her decision is the right one. "I can ask anything at any time, and they will have the answer for me," Baker said. 

She has also tapped into the knowledge of a couple of CAPERS with Newfoundland roots; junior defender Morgan Harris of Mount Pearl and forward Lauren Rowe of Conception Bay South, who have praised their experiences as CBU student-athletes. "They have a great perspective," Baker noted. 

Calling her a "terrific athlete," Timmons said, "Sarah is a mobile defender with a big leg." He added, "She also sees the field really well and is a great defender." And, Timmons continued, she is "good in the air and commands the back. It is a great pick-up for our program," Timmons said, describing her as a "top-notch addition."  

As for making the transition to the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) level, she offered, "You always have to be at the top of your game; you always have to be pushing yourself." She added, "I feel I can keep up." 

Baker, who will study in CBU's nursing school – with an eye towards becoming a nurse practitioner, described the CAPERS women's soccer program – including its style of play and second-to-none culture – as a "great fit for me." She added, "They have high expectations, and I have high expectations for myself." 

Considering her skill set and experience at the senior level, Timmons expects Baker "to contribute right away" to the CAPERS' program. He pointed out that talented center backs are a "hot commodity" because they are crucial to dealing with the quality forwards and strikers in AUS women's soccer. "They are essential," he said of the position that Baker will patrol. 

Noting her "experience and confidence," Timmons anticipates his newest recruit becoming a "great leader" with CBU. He agreed that Baker is a 'perfect fit,' when it comes to the type of student-athlete the CAPERS want as part of their culture. Baker can't wait to get that chance. 

"I am really excited – I am all in," she said of donning CAPER orange. 

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