Steed a Workhorse for Capers

She’s now hoping to land a big win over the rival St. FX X-Women tonight but said in the big picture she’s vying for an AUS championship banner.

Steed transferred to CBU this season to study for a master’s in business after playing basketball for the University of New Brunswick, where she finished a science degree in kinesiology.

“Just to play for CBU has always been kind of an honour,” said Steed. “As soon as I got the call and came on my trip I knew right away.”

Steed, who hails from Fredericton, N.B., said it was difficult at first to adjust to a new team, but said she appreciates coach Fabian MacKenzie who encourages players to play to their strengths.

“It’s a completely different program than I’ve ever been in,” said Steed. “Fabe’s a really great coach so he just tells you ‘Know what you do, and do it well,’” she said.

Steed is averaging 6.3 points-per-game in 19.5 minutes of floor time and provides some team motivation.

“I think he brought me in as a shooter and to just to kind of bring some energy, to be a hustler, and just to bring some positive energy to the floor,” said Steed.

Tonight’s game will be a special one for the Capers basketball team as it’s the last home game of the season and a final AUS game for five players, including Jahlica Kirnon, Stephanie Toxopeus and Nicole Works who have played all five years for Cape Breton.

“We always want to win and it’s a special night because it’s seniors night. There’s Nikki, Steph and Jahlica who’ve been with the program for five years so I personally just want to make it a good game for them and send them off for their five years working hard for the team,” said Steed.

“We always look at every game as a challenge and to win. But yeah because it’s St. FX, it just makes it that much better. Our last home game and we all just want it so bad. I think we’re all ready.”

Steed said what she’s enjoyed most about playing for CBU so far has been the response from people in the Cape Breton community when they find out she’s a member of the Capers.

She’s said while she’s looking forward to possibly playing and winning at an upcoming AUS championship, it’s bittersweet knowing her career is winding down.

“I’m hoping for the championship, I’m hoping for that banner,” she said. “That’s been our goal.”

The Capers game against the St. FX X-Women starts at 6 p.m. at Sullivan Field House. The men’s game featuring the Capers and X-Men tips off at 8 p.m.

There will also be a ceremony at halftime of the men’s game to retire the No. 20 jersey belonging to former CBU soccer star and Sydney native, Hannah Abenheimer.

Abenheimer will become the second Capers soccer player to have her number retired.