Top level goalkeeper commits to Capers

By Corey LeBlanc  

(Sydney, NS) - Ness Timmons doesn't mince words when talking about the latest high-end recruit to sign on with the Cape Breton University (CBU) women's soccer program.  "She is a very high standard. She has been the top keeper for her age level for several years," the veteran head coach says of Ellie Lancaster.

The 17-year-old from Fall River, Nova Scotia – like most young Canadians – started her time on the pitch as part of the Timbits minor soccer program.  "It was really fun," she remembers, describing the sport as "more of a hobby" in those early years. Lancaster's perspective changed a couple of years later on one fateful evening; her U10 team did not have a keeper, so she volunteered to go between the pipes. "As soon as I stepped on the field I knew," Lancaster says of embracing the position, making that first save tattooed on her memory. Knowing – right away – that she wanted to play keeper exclusively, she describes "owning the field" – a feeling and approach she has taken ever since, while loving the "aggressiveness" involved in playing the position. "It was – and still is – an incredible feeling," Lancaster explains. 

While playing for the Scotia Soccer Club, as an 11-year-old, she received her first invitation to be part of the Canadian Soccer Association's Regional Excellence Program (REX).  "They needed keepers," Lancaster notes of the identification camp. A week after that first experience wrapped up, she received a call to return, even though she was several years younger than the other goalkeepers, who were mainly in grades 10 to 12. "It was crazy," Lancaster says, with a laugh.  She adds, "I was so excited to get the chance, even though I was terrified." 

Along with a more than a five-year journey with REX, Lancaster trained with Nova Scotia's Canada Games programs – both women's and men's. "I developed my game a lot," she says of the benefits reaped from that extensive experience. In 2018, Lancaster received an invitation to a U17 national identification camp, where she – once again – was one of the younger participants. She notes multiple opportunities followed, where she played with and learned from "high-level" players and coaches. Although those national-level experiences were upended – for the most part – by the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic that put the vice grip on most sports for an extended stretch Canada-wide.  Most recently, Lancaster earned an all-star goalkeeper nod at the 2022 Canada Summer Games, while leading Team Nova Scotia to a bronze-medal finish. "It was a great team to play with," she says. 

'Love to attack' 

As for what she brings to the position, Lancaster starts with her communication skills. "I am very vocal," Lancaster says, noting that she takes pride in helping her teammates get to where they need to be on the pitch. Using the same words – "very vocal" – Timmons describes her ability to "direct a team from the back line." And, harkening to her early days, she says she remains "very aggressive."  "I love to attack and take on the challenge 1-v-1," Lancaster explains. 

Calling her a "terrific leader," Timmons says, "Ellie has good size and she is a great shot stopper."  And, he points out, Lancaster is a "strong distributor with both feet."  "We expect her to be an impact player for us," Lancaster says. 

When it comes to making the jump to the AUS-level next fall, Timmons believes she will compete for minutes "right away" at a key position. Lancaster says that her experiences playing at a high level, especially when it comes to speed and aggressiveness, should help with that transition. "I am nervous – for sure – but I know that I will be able to do it." 

'I fell in love' 

When she started considering where to play university soccer, Lancaster turned her attention to the United States. "I wanted to play the best soccer that I could," she offers of her initial attention to the south of the border. But, once that process became "very daunting," Lancaster decided to focus on Canadian opportunities, including CBU. 

Describing his "great personality," she fondly remembers her first encounter with Timmons. "I could see – right away – why people would want to play for him," Lancaster says. When she made her first visit to the CBU campus in Sydney, she notes, "I fell in love."  Lancaster remembers, "Everyone made me feel so welcomed – it was an amazing experience." She noticed how "invested" the Caper coaches were in the success of their student-athletes. "I could see that they have an incredible program – on and off the field – and I knew that I wanted to be part of it," Lancaster says. 

She made her decision official on Oct. 22, when she signed her letter of intent for next season. "It made me feel so good," she says of donning Caper orange for a photo opportunity to announce her commitment to CBU. Lancaster recalls having a similar feeling of excitement when Timmons gave her a Caper women's soccer t-shirt at the start of the recruiting process. 

Ready to go 

With her time as a varsity student-athlete fast approaching, the Grade 12 student at Lockview High School admits she has some concern with balancing athletics and academics at the university level. "I know that I will have a lot of people to help me," Lancaster says of that transition. 

She will enrol in Bachelor of Arts degree, focussing on political science and legal studies, which will serve as a springboard to law school and a career as a lawyer.  Even before lacing up her cleats in conference action, Lancaster already has Atlantic University Sport (AUS) ties; her older sister – Grace – is a sophomore guard with the UPEI Panthers women's basketball program. "One hundred per cent," Ellie says, when asked if she would tap into her sister's student-athlete experience as she embarks on that same journey.  

Although her first Caper training camp remains a few months away, Lancaster says it is hard to contain her anticipation. 

"I am so excited – I can't wait to get started." 

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