‘It has been exactly as I imagined’ 

By Corey LeBlanc  

If she decides that an engineering career is not for her, Ally Wilton could have a bright future as a Cape Breton University (CBU) student recruitment officer. 

"If you want to be a part of something greater than yourself, you want to meet people from all over the world – [from] all different backgrounds, and really educate yourself on that level – and make new friends that you will have for a lifetime, this is definitely the place for you," she said, when asked to make a pitch to prospective Capers. 

Ally added, "I know first-hand. I made the right decision, and I am having the best time here." 

That 'best time' has included leaving an indelible mark on CBU – not only on the field, but also in the classroom and community. 

Ally, who is earning an engineering diploma and science degree in chemistry, is also a standout player with the Caper women's soccer program. The Academic All-Canadian has excelled on the pitch, earning a second-team Atlantic University Sport (AUS) all-star nod in 2023. That athletic honour came in her first season as a defender, after she kicked off her CBU career as a fullback. 

Love at first kick 

"As soon as I started I loved it," Ally said of taking the pitch as a five-year-old. 

She had been dancing and taking gymnastics, with her mother signing her up for soccer after the mother of Wilton's close friend suggested it. 

"That was the beginning," the Bedford, Nova Scotia product remembered, quipping that early on she had a "long way to go," when it came to developing her skill set.  

From the start, her passion was stoked as much by what it offered off the field. 

"I think the biggest thing for me was – it is kind of a basic answer – the people were awesome. I have really loved the people. I have really loved the teammates I have had throughout the years," Ally explained. 

As for the game itself, she added, "I loved the idea of just running around. We always had such big fields and I feel like I always got my energy out. It was a lot of fun, and definitely a way for me to express myself – physically and stuff like that – so it was really nice." 

After starting her soccer journey with Halifax City, while growing up in the provincial capital, she made the move to Halifax County – the club program she continues to play with – after her family moved to Bedford. As for when she thought she could play soccer at a high level, Wilton pointed to her first selection to a Soccer Nova Scotia provincial team while in middle school. From that, she remembered receiving more recognition and exposure. 

"When I was growing up, I wasn't really a talented player – I was on the lower leagues of things, and then slowly I just made my way up and started getting recognition from provincial coaches, more playing time. And then, actually, in Grade 10, when you start getting recognition from university coaches, that's when you start going, 'Oh, jeez,'" Ally explained. 

When it comes to keys to her development, she pointed to her Soccer Nova Scotia experience, along with the opportunity to be part of Soccer Canada's Regional Excellence (REX) Program in the province. Noting that she "played a little basketball" and also ran track and field, Wilton agreed that participating in other sports benefitted her soccer development. 

"It helped a lot with my vision and awareness, and that's a huge part of me being a player now," she offered of her time on the hardwood. "I think it is cool seeing all the different aspects of different sports and how they come into helping you as a player." 

Perfect fit 

As for how she became a Caper, Wilton remembered meeting CBU head coach Stephen 'Ness' Timmons at a combine in Newfoundland. Although she made contact with several coaches, who complimented her play, the veteran mentor from New Waterford maintained consistent contact with her. 

"That really stood out for me," she said, noting how the conversations continued with Timmons, who she described as "a great guy." He not only filled her in on the women's soccer team, but also CBU's academic offerings, which included its engineering program. "It seemed like everything was just falling into place," Ally said. 

Over the next couple of years, she weighed her options and then made what she called a "hard decision." Wilton explained, "There were a lot of factors on the table, but I ended up choosing CBU for a bunch of reasons; their school, the team spirit – that was a big thing for me." Her campus visit, which included a Capers home match versus the Saint Mary's Huskies, helped cement that decision. 

"They were so kind to me, so welcoming and – right away – I knew I wanted to be part of this environment," she explained of the CBU players and coaches. And, when asked about her decision to become a Caper, Ally added, "It has been exactly like I imagined." 

The switch 

Although, she may not have imagined making the switch from midfielder to fullback in 2023. She remembered how Timmons and his coaching staff explained their desire "to have that calmness" that she could provide in "starting the play from the back." 

"And, I think, that ability to reset, to read the play; knowing when to go forward and when not to, which I think is a big part of my game, just being a very tactical player," Ally suggested of their decision. She added, "It is crazy for me to think, now that I am very comfortable in the position, as soon as my coaches told me that I would be playing fullback, it was definitely a shock and I was like, 'Are you guys sure right now?' But it wasn't as hard as I expected. It was really, really helpful because the other three defenders on the back line, along with my keeper Ellie (Lancaster), were super helpful." 

In their first few matches, Ally said she told her teammates to 'yell' or do whatever they needed to do. "I said I am just here to work with you. They were so helpful, and they would give me so much direction," she added. Her coaches would also provide her with extra training that helped benefitted the transition. 

"It is very different… But, at the end of the day, I was just using my same skill set; my technicality and vision, all of that; so, it wasn't that big of a change," added Ally. "I actually had a lot of fun." 

Hitting the books 

That on-field transition certainly didn't affect her performance in the classroom. 

"I am really happy with the academic situation here at CBU," Ally said. 

Noting that her professors know her by name, she explained, "If I went to any other school, there would be bigger classes, the teachers might not know you as well." Wilton added, "They are very helpful, so that's a huge thing for me. They care a lot."  

She also praised CBU Athletics academic advisor and chemistry professor Allen Britten for his unending help and guidance.  

"He has made all the difference," Ally said, noting that Britten convinced her to study chemistry, in which she is completing a separate degree to couple with her engineering diploma. After her time at CBU, she plans to complete her civil engineering degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax. 

"I am working with the government right now, so it could be something like that," Wilton offered, when asked about potential career paths. "I am really enjoying doing construction-based things, so I could see it being something along those lines." 

Ties that bind 

Ally also enjoys building relationships in the community, an opportunity provided at CBU through avenues such as youth soccer camps.  

"It is just the most rewarding thing ever. They are just so grateful to be there, they are just so excited to meet us," she offered of the up-and-coming athletes. 

And she savours the encounters with young fans that occur away from the field.  

"It's a great feeling, especially putting myself in those shoes, remembering when I was that kid. To be able to give back to them and know the feeling that we are instilling them, it is so awesome," Ally said. 

Sister act 

And, of course, she enjoys sharing those experiences with her CBU teammates that, this year, included a familiar face. Ally's younger sister, Katelyn, who was a first-year defender with the Capers in 2023. 

"I knew it would be great to get to know each other on that level; not just living at the house together, but being away [from home]," Ally explained. 

"It has really exceeded my expectations. It's great. Seeing her out of the house, seeing her with my friends – like the worlds colliding type of thing – it is really fun. I am really happy that I can share this time with her because it is a very important part of our lives.  

"So, again, to be here with my sister is really nice." 

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