Versatile athlete commits to CAPERS - Flynne Smith ready to take the next step

Versatile athlete commits to CAPERS

Flynne Smith focused on making an immediate impact

By Corey LeBlanc

A Dartmouth native with deep Cape Breton roots will be making a homecoming, of sorts, when she dons CAPER orange for the 2025 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women's soccer season.

"It boiled down to my recruiting visit," Flynne Smith said of her decision to become a student-athlete at Cape Breton University (CBU), adding, "It made it an easy choice." The 17-year-old added that she was "taken in by the team," while praising the reception she received from CBU's players and coaches. She added, "I felt at home right away – like I belonged there," of her time with the CAPERS and on the Sydney campus. CBU's "winning tradition" also appealed to her. "Again, it just felt right, and I am really excited about joining the program."

So is CBU head coach Ness Timmons. "Flynne is a strong student and great all-around person," the veteran mentor said, in describing her as the ideal type of recruit that his program pursues. Noting her athleticism, Timmons added that Smith is "very versatile," which is "good for her and great for us," because of her ability "to play a number of different roles."

From watching her play – along with the feedback he has received from her coaches – he offered that her ability to play multiple positions includes an offensive flair. "Flynne has a bit of an attacking mindset," Timmons said. He noted that she has that ability – not only because of her athleticism, but also her technical skills.

The soccer journey, one highlighted by versatility, for the long-time contributor to the United Dartmouth Football Club (UDFC), who got her start in Cole Harbour – began as a six-year-old.  "I don't know," Smith offered, when asked what attracted her to soccer – the sport that trumped all other activities, including dancing. "Soccer was the one thing that I stuck with – I loved it right away." She added, "It has always been a lot of fun."

Enhancing her experience was having her older sister – Regan – as a coach; her soccer career was cut short by a knee injury. "I have always loved being a part of a team," Smith said, noting the experience of dealing with winning and losing – "growing from what happened" – with her teammates.  She reiterated, "It just really appealed to me."

By the U13 level, Smith moved from striker and winger to the backline before making her return to the front of the formation. "I gained a lot of confidence," Smith remembered of her successful switch to wing back a couple of seasons ago. There has also been time as an attacking and holding midfielder; not to mention center back. "I think I am pretty versatile," Smith offered, echoing Timmons' view.

As part of Canada Soccer's REX (Regional Excellence Program) in Nova Scotia, she explained that her "play stepped up" as a wing back, while coaches "really started to take notice" of her performance as a center back. "It depends on the game – it varies. I love playing different positions," Smith said when asked about her favourite position. At the provincial level, she has played wing back at the U14, U15 and U16 levels for Soccer Nova Scotia.

When asked when she began to believe that she could compete at a high level," she informed, "I think I have always known that I would play university soccer." Smith added, "I have never stopped working to reach that goal, and I have enjoyed every minute of it." She explained how integral soccer has been to her, noting it has even helped her through "ups and downs in her personal life."

Smith will couple her athletic pursuits with studies in the Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in psychology.

"I have a few ideas, but there is nothing set in stone," she offered, when asked about her career aspirations.

Noting that she will benefit from playing "in a more competitive environment," Timmons said Smith has a "high ceiling," adding that he expects her to make a "strong contribution" in her freshman campaign.

With several friends who have launched their university careers, and are "having the time of their lives," the Grade 12 student at École secondaire Mosaïque in Dartmouth said she is ready "to take the next step."

She added, "I am ready for it."