The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Sisters suiting up for CBU soccer
Macphersons excited for opportunity to play together at CBU
Growing up, Caleigh and Chloe Macpherson had a typical sister relationship.
The Lingan products were always together and played similar sports, which brought out the competitive side of the two on a regular basis.
“It was very competitive when it came to sports,” laughed Caleigh. “There were always big fights and even fist fights at times so there were plenty of tears to go around.”
Despite the frustration at times, Caleigh, 20, and Chloe, 17, always pushed each other to be better, which has led them down the path of playing soccer at the university level.
“We would always play together in the yard and try to be better than one another, but it helped us in the end because the competition made us better and brought us closer as sisters,” said Chloe.
In 2019, Caleigh joined the Cape Breton University Capers women's soccer team as a rookie and appeared in seven games, posting two goals and three points. She also won an Atlantic University Sport championship with the club and attended the U Sports nationals in British Columbia.
This year, Caleigh will look to make more memories with the Capers program, but with Chloe by her side. Chloe committed to Cape Breton University earlier this year and will play alongside her sister at the midfield position when given the opportunity.
Chloe admits she was shocked when she received the phone call from coach Stephen (Ness) Timmons asking if she wanted to play on the Capers.
“I was always around the university playing for different soccer programs and I'd always see the older CBU players and I thought about the idea of playing at the university level,” she said.
“I was really surprised when I heard from Ness. I was pumped about the opportunity and couldn't believe I would have the chance to play for my hometown.”
PROUD MOMENT
Caleigh didn't hold back her feelings on Chloe's recruitment.
“It was a proud sister moment for me,” said Caleigh. “I think it's going to be good. I'm really looking forward to having her on the team and sharing success with her. I think it's going to be a pretty cool experience, for sure.”
Caleigh and Chloe grew up playing the sport within the New Waterford Minor Soccer Association. The two also suited up for Cape Breton teams in provincial competition.
Timmons followed the Macpherson sisters closely during their minor and high school soccer days.
“Both are talented girls and great athletes,” said Timmons.
“Caleigh is a more mature player now and she's a technical midfielder who can cover a lot of ground, while Chloe has a great engine, she plays with a lot of heart and some grit and can go box-to-box and is very versatile too and can play in different positions for us.
“We're looking forward to having both of the girls representing the Capers this year.”
Caleigh and Chloe have played together in the past. The two suited up for the Breton Education Centre Bears in the Cape Breton High School Soccer League. Also, Caleigh coaches Chloe with the under-18 team in New Waterford.
“We can't get away from each other,” laughed Chloe. “It's fun being able to share the same experiences as your older sister, so it's nice to have her around both with the Capers and coaching in minor soccer.”
In preparation for the season, both players are currently working with personal trainer Darlene Rankin a couple times each week. The two have also been doing “lots” of road runs throughout the offseason.
Along with hosting the AUS championships in early November, Caleigh and Chloe will also take part in the U Sports national championship, Nov. 18-21, at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex turf in Sydney.
Both are looking forward to playing in the tournament and having their family and friends in the stands supporting them through the journey.
“Our family can't wait to get all their fan gear on and be in the stands for our games,” said Caleigh. “They've been ready for the nationals since last year, but it makes it that much more special now with Chloe on the team too."
The Capers will open the 2021 AUS regular season on Sept. 11 when they host the Saint Mary's Huskies at 1 p.m. at Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex turf in Sydney.