Audrey Roy ‘great fit’ for Capers women’s soccer program

PETIT-ROCHER, NB – Audrey Roy can't remember not playing soccer, having taken the pitch for the first time when she was three years old.

"I loved how competitive it was, and how your team is like your second family," the 17-year-old said of her attraction to the sport.

Roy added, "Soccer is a place where I can escape from all my problems and that's why I love it."

She starting playing at the club level for Soccer Chaleur – the program based in her hometown of Petit-Rocher in northern New Brunswick.

"As I got older, there weren't enough girls anymore, so I had to go play for Soccer Dieppe," Roy explained.

When eligible, she tried out and earned a spot with the Soccer New Brunswick program – a relationship that continued until the U17 classification and included the opportunity to represent her province at the 2022 Canada Summer Games. Starting at the age of 13, she received an invitation to join the province's Regional EXCEL (REX) with Canada Soccer that kicked off a three-year stint with the high-performance academy.

"I would say my speed, physical play and determination," the talented forward, who mainly plays the wing, offered when asked to outline the strengths of her game.

Roy also pointed to her ability "to take a player 1-v-1."

"What drew me to this position is not only how I get to attack, but also defend. I believe it really matches my strengths," she added.

As for her decision to don CAPER orange next season in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) action, Roy noted that her recruiting visit to Cape Breton University (CBU) helped seal the deal.

"I really loved the campus, and that was so important for me. I love that it's small and the buildings are connected," she said, adding that the university is also a strong fit academically.

Roy added, "I even had the chance to talk to a few girls and they were very kind."

And, of course, the CAPERS' reputation and history as a perennial contender was a key ingredient.

"I love the Maritimes and, when I got it contact with CBU, it made it clear for me that I wanted to pursue my soccer path in the AUS," Roy said.

Veteran head coach Stephen "Ness" Timmons described her as a "great fit" for the CAPERS' program.

"Audrey has a great attitude – she is determined to grow and develop as a student-athlete," he said, while touting her dedication to steadily improving during her time at CBU.

Timmons explained that he and his coaching staff were impressed with the "grit, determination and tenacity" she displayed with Team New Brunswick.

He noted, "It really caught our eye."

While spending her Grade 12 year in Spain – as part of an international student exchange program – Roy continues to work on her skill set, particularly on the technical side of the game.

"I will contribute to the team as best I can," Roy offered, when asked about expectations for her freshman campaign with the AUS powerhouse program.

She added, "I will give my 100 per cent every day and work hard to contribute to the success of the team."

As for making the jump to the AUS-level, Roy said, "I believe one of my biggest adjustments will be having good time management."

She is familiar with the Sydney area, having not only played soccer here, but also visited Centre 200 on multiple occasions. Her older brother, Antoine, is in his second season with the Cape Breton Eagles of the QMJHL.

"I can't wait to get there – it is going to be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the experience," Roy said of launching her CAPER career.

Timmons added, "We are so happy that Audrey decided that CBU is the place for her."

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