Versatile fullback with deep Cape Breton roots commits to CAPERS
Versatile fullback with deep Cape Breton roots commits to CAPERS
Kate Boutilier looking forward to heading east for university experience
By Corey LeBlanc
GEORGETOWN, ON – A young Kate Boutilier decided to lace up cleats instead of skates, and the Cape Breton University (CBU) CAPERS women's soccer program will benefit from that choice starting next fall.
"I did not like it at all – it wasn't for me," the 16-year-old said, with a laugh, of following in her father Jeff's footsteps, when it came to playing hockey. Boutilier added, "I also played soccer and I enjoyed it so much more."
As for selecting the pitch over pucks, she remembered – of those early days playing soccer, "I loved running around." It wasn't long before she was improving steadily, starting to leave her mark in the minor soccer ranks, while embracing the nuances of the 'beautiful' game.
Growing up in Georgetown, Ontario – an hour or so outside of Toronto – the Grade 12 student has played at a high level, including as part of a pair of provincial championship sides with the Woodbridge Soccer Club. Over the last few seasons, she has suited up with the highly-regarded North Mississauga Soccer Club.
"I loved the up and down – being a part of the play," the talented left and right fullback offered in outlining what appealed to her about the sport. Boutilier started her playing days as a wing and forward before making the switch to fullback – a move initiated by one of her Woodbridge coaches. She explained her team needed depth on the backline, and he decided to tap into her defensive skills, ability to move the ball forward and "fast footwork."
"I think it worked out well," she offered of her passion for the position change.
When the search began for where she would take the field for her university playing days, Boutilier and her family turned their attention to the East Coast and CBU – a part of the country familiar to the teenager, a place she spent a lot of her childhood visiting friends and family. Her father is a native of Sydney Mines.
"I wanted to be a part of a program that has a winning culture," she explained of opting for a homecoming, of sorts, to her Cape Breton roots, adding "where I can contribute to its success." Along with playing in front of family and friends, Boutilier noted that having an opportunity to contribute to a program that recently captured its record-setting 13th Atlantic University Sport (AUS) banner in women's soccer; not to mention challenge her academically, as she pursues her studies in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. "It has everything I was looking for [in a university]," Boutilier said.
Her campus visit, where she toured CBU's athletic and academic facilities, helped cement her decision. She also fondly remembered how the CAPER coaches and student-athletes – everyone associated with the program – welcomed her. "Everyone treated me so well," she added.
Veteran CBU head coach Stephen "Ness" Timmons said the program's newest recruit will add "great versatility to our back line," noting her ability not only to play left and right back, but also center back, if required. Noting her strong youth soccer background, along with glowing scouting reports his staff has received from her coaches, he added, "Kate will improve our depth right away."
As for what she sees as the strengths of her game, Boutilier said, "I am strong moving forward," noting her "patience with the ball." She added, "I prioritize making accurate passes," as opposed to kicking away the ball from the back line. Boutilier also pointed to her "speed and agility."
Describing her as "very coachable," Timmons explained of her anticipated development, "It will be interesting to see. Kate has a high ceiling and is a great fit for our program."
He also noted her "deep connections" to Cape Breton, which he offered made joining the CAPERS "a little more attractive to her." Those links include a familiar face on the CBU roster – long-time friend Elle MacDougall of Georges River, who is wrapping up her second year in CAPER orange. Boutilier had an opportunity to watch MacDougall and her new CBU teammates' secure the 2024 conference crown on Oct. 27 at STFX Stadium in Antigonish.
Noting the high calibre of play at the tournament, she remembered telling her father that she was "really nervous" about making the jump to university soccer. Nevertheless, it hasn't made her any less excited about joining the CAPERS.
"It is going to be great – I can't wait," Boutilier said.
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