Grace Hannaford brings versatility to CAPERS women’s soccer program

Grace Hannaford brings versatility to Capers women's soccer program

Head coach Ness Timmons expects recruit to make 'immediate impact'

By Corey LeBlanc

Like most siblings, Grace Hannaford hoped to follow in the footsteps of her older brother.

"I wanted to be like him," she says of Garrison, who played hockey and soccer growing up.

Taking the same athletic path, the younger Hannaford excelled in both sports. She started playing with rep teams as a six-year-old, often with older teammates.

"The competitive aspect," she says of what attracted her to soccer, which eventually became the focus for her athletic endeavors.

That passion never waned, even as her family moved around the country; her parents – Adam Hannaford and Kolbey Neate – are both members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

"I had to prove myself," Hannaford – who has lived in four provinces – remembers of her approach when joining a new soccer team.

She is focused on doing the same next fall when she joins the highly-regarded Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers program.

"I am so excited," Hannaford says of her decision to don Caper orange at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) level. 

Although only 17, her resume is an extensive one, including time with the Vancouver Island Premier League while her family lived in Victoria, B.C. 

After her family's move to Edmonton, Hannaford was recruited to the Canadian Soccer Association's (CSA's) Regional Excellence Program (REX). As a member of FC Edmonton REX (North), she won a gold medal at the 2019 Western Canada Games in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. 

When her parents were posted to Nova Scotia in the summer of 2020, it was a homecoming – of sorts – for Hannaford; she was born in Halifax.

Since her return to the east coast, Hannaford has continued her soccer ascension, including as a key contributor to the Suburban FC U17 AAA team that did not surrender one goal in fashioning a perfect season.

The Grade 12 student at C.P. Allen High School in Bedford – where she plays on the Cheetahs – is also part of the Nova Scotia REX program and Canada Games players pool for 2022.

Her time with the CSA program has included playing in showcase tournaments for elite prospects in Vancouver. 

"Almost anywhere," Hannaford says, when asked about the position she plays.

She has added striker to that list with the Cheetahs this, one that mainly focuses on fullback and midfield.

As for the strengths of her game, Hannaford uses the word "adaptability," which goes hand-in-hand with her noted versatility.

"I can adjust to different styles of play," the 5'4" athlete offers.

She notes that the ability to play with both feet benefits her defensively and on the attack.

Veteran CBU head coach Ness Timmons says his newest recruit has a "non-stop motor."

"She can cover the whole field," he adds.

Noting her "versatility" will be a key asset at the AUS level, the CBU mentor says he has watched Hannaford play four positions, including midfield and fullback.

"And, everything in between," Timmons says, with a laugh.

Whatever position on the pitch she patrols, he adds that Hannaford "doesn't miss a beat."

Timmons notes that she has always played with the "best in her class."

"She has a great soccer mind," he says, remembering their conversations about soccer, which have included everything from tactics to positional play.

When it comes to making the jump to the AUS level, Timmons expects she will make an "immediate impact."

"The aggressiveness," Hannaford says, when asked about the biggest challenge with moving to the varsity level, noting that players will be "stronger and quicker."

Timmons believes the visits she and her parents made to the CBU campus affected her decision.

"I think she liked what she saw," he offers.

When it comes to those tours, Hannaford remembers thinking, "I can see myself at this school."

She says the relationship that she and her family have developed with Timmons was a key to her selection. 

"He stayed in touch and he got to know me as a person – not just as a recruit," she explains.

A smaller university – one where you get to know your professors – also appealed to her.

Hannaford says the "importance of academics" at CBU, along with the commitment to excellence in the women's soccer program, also tipped the scales. 

She will start her university studies in the Bachelor of Science program. 

Noting her love for the sciences, especially chemistry, Hannaford says she is eying a career in pharmacy.

Timmons says Hannaford's commitment to athletics and academics – describing her as an excellent student – is what the program looks for in its student-athletes.

"Grace is a perfect fit for us."

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