Madison Lavers – the backbone of Caper women’s soccer program

Madison Lavers – the backbone of Caper women's soccer program

Halifax native cherishes CBU experience

by Corey LeBlanc

Like most youngsters – when it comes to playing organized soccer – Madison Lavers got her start in the Timbits' development program.

"It was right in my backyard," she says of the field where the then four-year-old took her first kicks.

The Halifax native remembers being "distracted" during those early days on the pitch.

"I was more interested in talking," she says, with a laugh.

As Lavers continued to develop – mainly as a player with the Halifax County United club program – she became a topic of conversation for several head coaches from university programs.

The 21-year-old graduate of Halifax Grammar School admits she wasn't sure if she wanted to play at the varsity level.

"My family was a big help," Lavers recalls of the decision-making process.

With their support and encouragement, she decided to continue pursuing her beloved sport.

As for how she selected where she would embark on her post-secondary career, the seed was planted during the summer of her Grade 11 year, when she visited Sydney with her U18 club squad.

On that day, Lavers met Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's program head coach Stephen 'Ness' Timmons.

"We started to talk back and forth," she remembers while describing the veteran mentor as "such a great person."

Along with continuing those conversations, Lavers made the traditional student-athlete recruiting visit to the Sydney campus.

"Everyone was really nice," she says.

Lavers knew it was a "great opportunity."

She signed a letter of intent in the fall of her Grade 12 season.

"It turned out to the best decision for me," the now-senior centre back says.

Lavers recalls how comfortable she felt at her first Caper training camp in 2017.

"To be honest, I was really scared," she says of her mindset before she arrived.

Lavers notes that apprehension stemmed from the "great reputation" of the CBU program, one that has a strong tradition of success.

She agrees she needn't have worried.

"Everyone was great – the players and coaches; it was such a welcoming environment," Lavers says.

She also shared an instant connection with the other freshman recruits, including Amelia Carlini. They have been roommates since that first year.

"We all got along really well," Lavers says.

Head Coach Ness Timmons praises his veteran defender – both on and off then field – describing her as a "great example of what you want to see in a student-athlete."

"Madison is a quality young woman all the way through," he says.

Timmons adds "she is a great person from a great family."

While noting the high level of maturity she has displayed since joining the Capers, he says Lavers has "really grown."

"Madison's has become more and more confident each season, which means so much to our program," Timmons says.

"There has been such steady growth, which is so great to see."

Calling her "very coachable," Timmons says she is "so well-liked – her teammates and coaches respect her so much."

On the field, the 5'10" student-athlete has been a stalwart for CBU since she donned Caper orange for the first time.

"Madison is a tremendous presence in the middle of our defence," Timmons says.

He adds she is "so confident" in making that all-important first pass out of the back.

"It has always seemed to come naturally to me," Lavers says, with a laugh, of the skills required of a centre back.

She adds her calmness is one of the qualities she brings to the position.

When it comes to becoming a team leader, Timmons adds Lavers is "really stepping up."

"Madison has always been there for the players coming in," Timmons notes.

Lavers says she always wants to share her "experience" with younger teammates.

"I was inspired by how they carried themselves – both on and off the field," she says, in reflecting on how much she benefitted from the mentorship of her fourth and fifth-year teammates when she was in her first seasons.

Admitting to being "more vocal" on the pitch – something that she suggests comes naturally with her position – Lavers adds she "wants to set a good example."

"I like to talk a lot on the field, so it is a great fit," she says, conceding the contrast to her quietness off the field.

Lavers and Carlini – along with Fatou Ndiaye, another fourth-year player – will captain the Capers when they return to the field for Atlantic University Sport (AUS) action next fall.

"When we first found out, we were obviously devastated," she says of the Capers' reaction to the cancellation of the 2020 season, a precaution taken by conference officials as part of dealing with the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic.

Lavers notes CBU players and coaches took solace in knowing that they will be hosting the AUS and U Sports' championship tournaments in 2021, something they were scheduled to do this season.

"We are looking at it this way – we have time to prepare and be the best team that we can be for next season," she says.

Lavers suggests the Capers are looking at the "silver lining," turning their focus to "long-term goals."

She says the success of the CBU women's program can be attributed greatly to "the kind of players that 'Ness' [Timmons] recruits."

Lavers points out the program has no problems with "high-maintenance players," along with teammates who cannot get along or form clicks.

"It translates into the way that we play," she says, noting the Capers "get along really well" – both on and off the field.

Lavers adds she is proud of how her teammates "carry ourselves like champions."

As for next season, on a personal level, her goal will to stay healthy and be on the field as much as possible.

"And, as a team, we want to win another AUS championship on our home field," Lavers says.

And, of course, the Capers are focused on a strong showing as hosts of the national championship tournament.

"As the home team, we are going to have to deal with that pressure," Lavers offers.

"We want to leave a great impression."

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