Cape Breton Capers to host U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Final 8 in 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Cape Breton Capers to host U SPORTS Women's Basketball Final 8 in 2023 

October 28, 2021 

TORONTO / Sydney, N.S. – U SPORTS is proud to announce the Cape Breton University Capers will host the 2023 U SPORTS Women's Basketball Final 8 Championship. 

This marks the first time in program history the Capers will organize the tournament, which will take place on campus at the Sullivan Field House in Sydney, N.S. from March 9-12, 2023. 

The Capers have made seven previous women's basketball championship appearances, winning a pair of medals – a silver in 2006 and bronze in 2011. Cape Breton last competed in the event in 2017, following four straight years from 2009-12. 

"We are excited for the Women's Basketball Final 8 to make its debut in Sydney," said Lisette Johnson-Stapley, Chief Sport Officer at U SPORTS. "This event will bring together the people of Cape Breton for a national celebration for the second straight year on the No. 1 Island Destination in North America, and one of the world's best-voted Islands. We are confident the Capers athletic program will serve as a formidable host in organizing a first-class tournament in a community known for their quality hospitality." 

With the winning bid to the 2023 Women's Basketball Final 8 secured, the Capers are set to host U SPORTS championships in three consecutive academic years, with the Women's Soccer Championship coming to campus this fall (Nov. 18-21, 2021), followed by the Men's Soccer Championship in November 2023 – both taking place at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex. Previously, Cape Breton hosted the women's soccer event in 2007, winning the women's title 14 years ago on their home field. 

"We are thrilled to bring the 2023 U Sports Women's Basketball National Championships to our vibrant campus and to Cape Breton Island for the very first time. Our Women's Team, under the leadership of Head Coach, Fabian McKenzie are eager to bring this opportunity to Nova Scotia," says John Ryan, Director of Athletics and Recreation. "We want to thank U Sports for this tremendous opportunity to host three National Championships in three academic years. For a small institution to host three National Championships in three years is a great accomplishment and one that we take great pride in. We are very much looking forward to showcasing our basketball program and our community at each of these Championships." 

"Cape Breton University and Cape Breton Island have a strong history of hosting first-class, high-calibre events, and this will be no exception," says David C. Dingwall, President, and Vice-Chancellor. "With the support of all stakeholders, partners CBU will host an event that will not only provide an exceptional student-athlete experience but a memorable and exciting community event highlighting the importance of sport." 

The 2022 U SPORTS Women's Basketball Final 8 will be hosted by the Queen's Gaels from Mar.10-13 at the Athletic and Recreation Centre in Kingston, Ont. 

CBC Sports will broadcast digitally all games from both tournaments in English as part of a new four-year deal announced Sept. 20. Every minute of the action will be available via cbcsports.ca the free CBC Gem streaming service and the CBC Sports App for iOS and Android devices. For the full U SPORTS championship schedule, click here.