Grace Hannaford of the Cape Breton Capers was named the Atlantic University Sport women’s soccer most valuable player for the 2026 season on Wednesday. The Enfield, N.S., product led the conference with 13 goals and 20 points in 12 games this season. Photo by JEREMY FRASER /CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentA pair of Cape Breton Capers soccer players have claimed top honours in the Atlantic University Sport for the 2026 season.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentYohann Hebert of the men’s team and Grace Hannaford of the women’s club were named the most valuable players for their respective conferences, the AUS announced on Wednesday.Article contentArticle contentHebert, a second-year midfielder, had a goal and five points in 11 games with the Capers. He missed only one game during the season on Oct. 2 against Memorial in Sydney.Article contentThe Gatineau, Que., product follows in the footsteps of Max Piepgrass, who was named the league’s MVP in 2025.Article content Yohann Hebert of the Cape Breton Capers was named the Atlantic University Sport men’s soccer most valuable player for the 2026 season. Hebert had a goal and five points in 11 games this season. Photo by VAUGHN MERCHANT /CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICSArticle contentOther Capers men’s players to win the MVP award include Charlie Waters (2021), Peter Schaale (2019 and 2018), Justin Maheu (2014), Ian Greedy (2013), Andrew Rigby (2011 and 2009), and Ricardo Marquez (2006).Article contentHebert was also named to the league’s first all-star team.Article contentHannaford, a fifth-year midfielder, won the league’s scoring race, potting 13 goals and 20 points in 12 games. She had four two-goal games, two three-point contests, and one four-point match during the campaign.Article contentThe Enfield, N.S., native joins Alliyah Rowe (2024, 2023 and 2022), Ciera Disipio (2019, 2018 and 2017), Karolyne Blain (2014 and 2013), Kristina Weatherbie (2007), Natalie Cullen (2003) and Sarah Drake (2002) as Capers women’s soccer MVP recipients.Article contentArticle contentHannaford was also named to the league’s first all-star team.Article contentArticle contentCOACH OF THE YEAR, ALL-STARSArticle contentMeanwhile, Capers women’s head coach Stephen (Ness) Timmons was named the conference’s coach of the year. Timmons guided the program to a first-place finish in the regular season with an 8-1-3 record.Article contentIt’s the eighth time in Timmons’ 31-year career that he’s received the coach of the year honours.Article contentSeveral Capers players were named AUS all-stars on Wednesday.Article contentIn the men’s division, striker Jamie Nicholson and defender Harvey Hughes were given first all-star team honours, while defender Jamie Wildish-Chan was a second-team all-star.Article contentFor the women, goalkeeper Ellie Lancaster was named to the first all-star team, while midfielder Aubrey Roy as well as defenders Sarah Baker and Leah Disipio were second-team all-stars.Article contentStriker Ava MacDonald of Sydney River was named to the all-rookie team. MacDonald had four goals and seven points in 12 games in her first year in Capers’ colours.Article contentBoth Capers teams will be in action on Friday when they participate in their respective AUS championship tournaments in Halifax and St. John’s, N.L.Article contentThe men’s team, who earned a bye into the semifinal game, will play either Prince Edward Island or Moncton on Friday at 1 p.m., at Wickwire Field in Halifax, while the women, who earned a bye into the semifinal, will play the winner of St. Francis Xavier and Memorial on Friday at 4 p.m., at Fortis Canada Games Complex in St. John’s.Article content
Cape Breton Capers Hebert, Hannaford named AUS soccer most valuable players for 2026 season
