Stephen (Ness) Timmons, middle, speaks with officials during Atlantic University Sport action in 2024. Timmons will retire as the head coach of the women’s soccer program at Cape Breton University in November. CONTRIBUTED/VAUGHAN MERCHANT, CBU ATHLETICS VAUGHAN MERCHANTArticle contentOne of the most well-known and respected soccer coaches in university sport in Canada is calling it a career.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 contentStephen (Ness) Timmons will retire as head coach of the Cape Breton Capers women’s soccer program in November at the end of the 2026 season.Article contentArticle contentTimmons, a product of New Waterford, has been at the helm of the women’s soccer team for 31 years, joining the program in the mid-1990s.Article contentArticle contentUnder his guidance, Timmons has led the program to a record 14 Atlantic University Sport championships as well as a national championship in 2007. He also won national silver and bronze medals in 2017 and 2018, respectively.Article contentTimmons was named the AUS coach of the year seven times and the U Sports coach of the year three times.Article content“For more than three decades, Ness Timmons has exemplified the very best of Cape Breton University. His extraordinary record of success on the pitch speaks for itself, but his true legacy is found in the generations of young people he has mentored, inspired and empowered to reach their full potential,” said David Dingwall, president and vice-chancellor of Cape Breton University, in a press release.Article content“Ness built a national championship program grounded in excellence, integrity and a deep commitment to student success. He has been an exceptional ambassador for CBU, our Capers and the communities of Cape Breton. On behalf of the entire university, I extend our sincere gratitude to Ness for 31 remarkable years of service and congratulate him on a career that has left an indelible mark on Canadian university sport.”Article contentArticle contentTimmons balanced his coaching career with decades as an educator at Breton Education Centre in New Waterford, bringing the same patience, positivity and commitment to the classroom that he brought to the soccer field.Article contentHis focus on student success helped create a program where athletes excelled both academically and athletically.Article content“For 31 remarkable years, Ness Timmons has been far more than the head coach of Cape Breton University women’s soccer. He has been the heart, mentor, leader and driving force behind a program that has touched countless student-athletes and helped shape the culture of CBU Athletics,” said John Ryan, director of athletics at CBU.Article content“His unwavering commitment, passion, and belief in his student-athletes have left an indelible mark on generations of CAPERS, both on and off the field.”Article contentTimmons’ former players often point to his commitment to academics and personal development as one of his defining qualities.Article content“Ness Timmons is like no other. He always held us student-athletes to a higher standard, not just on the pitch, but around campus and in the classroom,” says Alliyah Rowe, four-time academic all-Canadian.
Legendary Cape Breton Capers soccer coach Stephen (Ness) Timmons to retire at end of 2026 season
