Bell-Davies enjoying inspiring comeback with Capers

So far as comeback stories go, Cape Breton University women’s soccer player Allison Bell-Davies is writing an epic.

The six-foot stopper — a central defender that plays ahead of the back line in support of the midfield — was a longshot to even make the CBU squad this season after spending the past two years doggedly rehabbing two devastating ACL operations on her left knee and a third on her right.

But not only did she make the final cut, but Capers coach Ness Timmons put her in the starting lineup. With the Capers now 6-3 on the Atlantic Sport University season and coming off a pair of lopsided weekend shutouts, the Pickering, Ont., native likely won’t be sitting down anytime soon.

“During the summer, I was debating playing soccer again,” says the fifth-year Caper. “It was a last-minute decision to try out for the team, so I decided to leave it all out on the field.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. It had been more than two years since I played competitively, so it was pretty crazy jumping right back into it.”

Though she’s a confident and experienced player, she says coming out to the Capers tryouts was an intimidating experience, even with her teammates’ ungrudging support.

“The team was pretty well picked,” she admits. “I felt confident, but I didn’t think I could make the starting team, but even sitting on the bench and supporting the team would have been great.”

While she realizes she will probably never be the player she once was, Bell-Davies is happy with her play so far this season.

“It’s frustrating at times, but I know my limitations. I just play around it and do my best. Every day is a blessing when I’m out there.”

She says the mental side of the game was actually tougher than the physical aspect when she took the field for the first time this season.

“My very first time playing, I had to go straight at a tackle. I had to get it out of my system. My first tackle of the season was what got me through it.”

She is grateful for the support of her teammates through the entire comeback process.

“When I first came here six years ago, it was a whole different team. But everyone wants to see the best for me — I can feel the support and love from all of them.”

The Capers are a close team, she says, with everyone pulling together to get the job done.

“I hope to bring leadership role to the team,” she says. “I hope I can motivate them.

“And I’m six feet tall, so I hope I can be a dominant force in the air.”

Now that she’s had a chance to get back in the game and check out the AUS competition, Bell-Davies likes her team’s chances of finding some success in the post-season.

“We’re looking really strong, and I’m hoping we get to nationals — we have such a strong team, such a good group of players.”

Friday, the Capers are in Antigonish for a 4 p.m. match with the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women. Sunday, the Mount Allison University women visit CBU. Game time is 1 p.m.