CBU's Disipio accepted to U Sports Female Apprentice Coaching Program

Ciera Disipio returns to Caper women's soccer

CBU All-Canadian accepted to U Sports Female Apprentice Coaching Program

By Corey LeBlanc

A familiar face will be on the sideline when the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's soccer team takes the pitch next season.

Ciera Disipio – a five-year stalwart with the program – has joined the coaching staff.

"I am so excited about having this opportunity," the former All-Canadian says.

The Ottawa native, who is in the middle of completing her MBA at CBU, was recently accepted into the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, which focuses on – as described on its website (usports.ca) – "providing coaching experience to young female leaders."

"It was great – I didn't expect it," Disipio remembers of receiving word she had been selected.

She notes she "can't wait to get started."

Veteran head coach Stephen "Ness" Timmons will serve as Disipio's mentor on the Caper staff, which also includes assistant coach Robert White, goalkeeper coach Chad Power and Mitchell Hanna, who serves as a performance analyst and academic advisor.

"I have a unique relationship with each of them," she says, noting those were a key to her success in Caper orange.

Disipio, who has coached with Soccer Cape Breton, knows she will learn a great deal "shadowing" the Caper coaches.

"I respect them so much," she notes.

Each selected participant in the apprenticeship program must have graduated in the past 10 years while demonstrating a "passion for growing their sport, the desire and skills for coaching and inspiring and guiding athletes through their university years in U SPORTS."

"There is no better candidate than Ciera – she's perfect," Timmons says of his former player, describing her as a "role model" for his student-athletes.

The goals of the program are to increase the number of female coaches in university sport and opportunities for young women to have access to that experience, along with providing support to identified graduating female student-athlete coaches in their pursuit of professional development chances and qualified U SPORTS coaches in U SPORTS programming with advanced training opportunities and mentoring experience.

"It is a terrific program," Timmons says, noting he and his coaching staff – everyone involved – will benefit from the initiative.

John Ryan, CBU director of athletics and student life, agrees.

"It is a win-win for everyone," he offers.

Ryan adds the Caper women's soccer student-athletes will benefit from the "insight and leadership" that Disipio – who he describes as an "all-time great" – will bring to the program.

He notes the former CBU stalwart – who is starting on her coaching path – will gain greatly from the mentorship of Timmons, one of the "most decorated" coaches in U SPORTS, and his staff.

Noting there is a "shortage of female coaches in U SPORTS," Timmons offers that the apprenticeship program is a "great way to get [former] players involved."

Ryan says the initiative – having this type of support from U SPORTS – provides a "huge benefit" as CBU Athletics continues an ongoing effort to bring more female coaches into its varsity programs.

"We are always looking at ways," he adds, of making progress when it comes to diversity – not only in the coaching ranks but also all aspects of the department, including student employment.

As for Disipio, she envisions serving as a "bridge" between the Caper coaches and student-athletes, while offering the perspective of a "recent grad" from the program.

"I think I can help in many ways – I know what they are going through," she offers.

Disipio anticipates helping student-athletes on the pitch, while also providing guidance in ways such as helping them "get out in the community."

Like her, Timmons believes her immediate connection to the Capers – she wrapped up her varsity career in 2019 – will be beneficial.

"Ciera is only a year out – she knows our players," he says, noting many on CBU's roster for next season played with Disipio.

Timmons adds she has "a lot going for her already," when it comes to her coaching ability.

"We are going to tap into her player's point of view," he notes.

With a laugh, Timmons says they are "ready to put her to work."

And, there is no doubt Disipio is up for the challenge.

"I think it is going to be a great experience," she says.

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