The St. Francis Xavier X-Women soccer team is gearing up for the season with a roster showcasing a blend of returning talent and promising newcomers. A review of the team composition reveals a squad prepared to compete in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference.
Defensive Strength
The X-Women’s defense appears solid, anchored by players like Sammy Macdonald, a eligible player majoring in Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics (BA HK) from Calgary, AB, who previously played for Calgary Foothills. Meghan Lineger, also eligible in and pursuing a BA HK, adds further experience, coming from Harbourside FC in Comox, BC. Meg Hamilton, a BSc HK student from Ottawa, ON, and formerly with West Ottawa SC, provides additional defensive prowess. Abby Steen, a BBA major from Stittsville, ON, and Emma Steen, a BSc HK student also from Stittsville, ON, and formerly with North Mississauga SC, further bolster the defensive line.
Midfield Control
The midfield is expected to be a key battleground for the X-Women, and the roster suggests a capable group. Isabelle Doiron, a BSc HK student from Dieppe, NB, and with a background in CS Dieppe / Team NB, brings experience. Ashlee Delaney, a BSc HK student from Ottawa, ON, and formerly with St. Anthony Futuro, is another key midfielder. Bryn Canning, a BSc HK student from Antigonish, NS, and previously with Guelph United, adds local talent to the mix. Cheyenne Bower, a BSc HK student from London, ON, and with experience at Calgary Foothills, provides additional midfield options. Ava Elgood, eligible in , is listed as a midfielder/forward, offering versatility, and hails from Almonte, ON, having played for Blue Devils FC. Caitlin Crichton, a BSc HK student from Ottawa, ON, and formerly with Guelph United, rounds out the midfield contingent.
Forward Power
Up front, the X-Women have several players capable of finding the back of the net. Avril Jamieson, a BSc student from Calgary, AB, and a product of Calgary Foothills, is a key attacking threat. Cara Therrien, a BBA student from Toronto, ON, and formerly with Pickering FC, adds another dimension to the attack. Lauren Reid, a BSc HK student from Kanata, ON, and previously with West Ottawa SC, is also poised to contribute offensively.
Goalkeeping
Christina Gentile, a BEd student from Laval, QC, and formerly with FC Laval, is listed as the team’s goalkeeper. Her experience will be crucial in protecting the X-Women’s net.
Eligibility and Academic Pursuits
The roster details the eligibility year for each player, ranging from first-year to fifth-year students. The diverse range of academic pursuits – from Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics (BA HK) and Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics (BSc HK) to Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Engineering (BSc Eng) – highlights the well-rounded nature of the student-athletes representing St. Francis Xavier. The team’s academic focus suggests a commitment to success both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
The season promises to be competitive in the AUS conference. The X-Women’s roster, with its mix of experience and youth, suggests they will be a team to watch. The team’s success will likely depend on the ability of the defense to maintain solidity, the midfield to control possession, and the forwards to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The presence of players from various provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, indicates a wide recruiting network for the X-Women program.
While specific details regarding the team’s coaching staff and pre-season schedule are not available in the provided sources, the published roster provides a solid foundation for understanding the composition of the St. Francis Xavier X-Women soccer team as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team’s commitment to academic excellence, combined with its athletic talent, positions them for continued success in the AUS conference.
Recent accolades for St. Francis Xavier University athletes were noted in a separate report, detailing records in basketball as of . Sheryl Chisholm, Vanessa Pickard, and Lindsay Lessard were highlighted for their scoring achievements, while Lia St. Pierre and Shannon Neita were recognized for their rebounding prowess. These achievements in basketball underscore the overall athletic strength and competitive spirit within St. Francis Xavier University. News reports indicate that Cape Breton athletes are set to be inducted into the St. FX Sports Hall of Fame, further demonstrating the university’s rich athletic tradition.
