Victoria’s Haylie Clarke commits to CBU women’s soccer

Making the move from Island to Island

Victoria's Haylie Clarke commits to CBU women's soccer

By Corey LeBlanc

VICTORIA – Haylie Clarke puts a geographical spin on her commitment to the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers women's soccer program.

"I have always played on an island and now I am just moving to a new one," the native of Victoria, BC offered with a laugh.

Clarke – a highly-touted defensive midfielder and center back – will don Caper orange for the 2024 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) varsity soccer season.

This chapter – one that will include a cross-Canada move from the west to east coast – will be the latest in her soccer journey that began when she was three years old.

For the next decade, until she turned 13, Clarke took the pitch as a member of the Gorge Soccer Association in her hometown.

"That's when I first fell in love with the game," she offered of that decade or so, one in which she played consistently with players a year or two older than her.

Since then, the 17-year-old has laced up her cleats with the Vancouver Island Waves, the only club in the British Columbia Soccer Premier League (SPL) not from the mainland of the province. So, over the past few years, there have been plenty of ferry rides to and from Victoria to take the pitch.

"I find it hard to talk about myself," the veteran of the BC provincial program offered, with a laugh, when asked about the strengths of her game.

Clarke said that she has been told that she is a "very smart player."

She added, "Everything that I do is with a purpose," noting her ability to anticipate what is going to happen on the field.

Clarke noted that being "composed on the ball" is another one of her skills.

"I think that I have always been a natural leader," she offered, noting the pride she has in her ability to communicate effectively with her teammates.

As for how she ended up committing to a university located more than 6,000 kilometres from home, Clarke said it started with the "great conversations" that she had with veteran CBU head coach Stephen 'Ness' Timmons.

While leaning towards becoming a Caper, she added that her decision was cemented during a recruiting visit to CBU's campus in Sydney.

Noting that she had never travelled east of Toronto until then, Clarke said, "I instantly fell in love."

She marveled at how people opened doors for them [her father accompanied her on the trip], and exchanged pleasantries freely.

"We were amazed at the kindness of the people," Clarke said of their first experience of east coast hospitality, which was also plentiful when it comes to her then prospective coaches and teammates.

She also noticed, right away, how the Caper program's philosophy – one centered on tenets, such as character and commitment – coincided with her approach.

"It felt like family – that's the type of team that I am used to playing on," Clarke explained.

The phrase 'Attitude is everything' – one that emblazoned the wall of the CBU locker room and the back of players' warm-up shirts – also impressed her.

"I can't wait to be a part of the championship environment."

Noting her "strong pedigree" and extensive experience playing in a hot bed for Canadian soccer, Timmons said, "Haylie has played at a high level for quite a while."

As for skill set, the Caper mentor pointed to her ability as a passer and defender.

"Haylie has an incredibly high soccer IQ," Timmons said.

Describing her as a "high-level talent," he added that he expects Clarke to "contribute right away."

Timmons said, "She is a great player and person."

Clarke added, "I want to play right away."

As for making the transition to USPORTS women's soccer, she mentioned the importance of being prepared for the "faster pace of play," along with the increased strength of the players.

"I want to be my best self," Clarke offered of her focus for the coming months as she prepares for her first Caper training camp in late August.

She is excited about getting the opportunity to fulfill her dream to play university soccer.

"I am really looking forward to it," Clarke added.

When it comes to the academic side of becoming a university student-athlete, Clarke plans to study in CBU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Noting her interest in the medical field, she said, "I have always wanted to help people."

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