2025/26 Women's Soccer Roster Preview
Blazers starters salute the crowd at last year's home-opener
Blazers women's soccer had an early start to their off-season signings, with outgoing head coach Jason Moist lining up a solid slate of new recruits for the 2025/26 edition of the team prior to his departure in early spring. Now at the helm, Peter Marinelli must put the pieces in place to try and improve the team further heading into the MCAC season, as they attempt to hoist the Championship trophy for the first time since 2018 and for the first time in the CCAA era.
Blazers Athletics continues its 2025/26 team previews with the Blazers Women's Soccer team, noting new additions, key returnees, and losses to the lineup heading into the season:
Outgoing Players
Blazers Athletics honoured graduating student-athlete Tai Linklater at the team's final game of the soccer season, with veteran Emily Whittaker ultimately deciding against a return to collegiate play after graduating as well this spring. Linklater was a regular in the lineup over the past few season, known for their long throw ins from the touch line. Whittaker was a calming presence on the team, capable of playing very structural sound soccer throughout her time with the Blazers.
Not expected to return this season is Amelie Hasker, who suited up primarily in the midfield this past season, but also served as the team's backup goalkeeper. Hasker sustained a season-ending injury and will likely have to sit out the entire 25-26 season to rehabilitate. 2024-25 starting goalkeeper and MCAC All-Conference selection Nat Wyatt will also not be expected to return this season, leaving the Blazers with a big hole to fill in net. There are some other question marks going into the season as the Blazers roster solidifies, including Sumeet and Muneet Brar, who are both questionable to return to the team after solid first seasons with the club.
Incoming Recruits
Filling those holes in the lineup are a number of new recruits and additions to the squad including signees thus far Kayda Melnyk, Grace Moar, Rae Moist, Glacier Wyryha, and Vayda Smith. The Blazers are bringing some very collegiate-ready players into their lineup, so we will wait and see who might crack the starting eleven on day one of the MCAC season. Also now training with the team is women's basketball guard Avery McCarthy, who is considering a switch to the pitch this year.
Kayda Melnyk | 5'6" Goalkeeper | Sturgeon Heights | 1v1 Futbol Dreams
Like the men's squad, the Blazers women's team's first signing of the season was to fill a hole in net, and it's not really questionable who will be the go-to starter, as Melnyk comes to the Blazers with top credentials, having played with the top clubs in the province and as part of the provincial program.
Coach's Quote: "Kayda's resume speaks for itself. A champion and MVP at the high school and club level, representing Manitoba at Nationals with 1v1 Futbol Dreams, on the FC Manitoba travel team, a high level athlete, tested at the highest level, Kayda represents a huge signing for CMU. Her technique, distribution, and character are everything a coach could look for in an incoming player. We're thrilled to have her join us at CMU!"
Grace Moar | 5'7" Defender | Portage Collegiate | PCI Saints
A true multisport athlete, Moar will bring in additional athleticism and desire to improve to the team, and could factor in to the Blazers' starting backline. A standout in hockey and volleyball as well, Moar is a recipient of the Lee Howie award for dedication in Portage Collegiate Athletics, so expect a big upside and commitment from the team's second signing.
Coach's Quote: "Grace came to our attention via a couple of combines where I was able to see her in action against high level competition. It is apparent that Grace is a player who can play centrally in a couple of positions and could contribute in her freshmen season. She has a lot of the tools, great attitude, and commitment it takes to play at this level and we are excited to have her."
Rae Moist | 5'7" Defender | Miles Macdonell | BoniVital SC
Daughter of former head coach Jason Moist, Rae brings with her USports experience and plenty of high-level training, having suited up for the Wesmen last season. Having grown up in the BoniVital program, look for Moist to come in with instant chemistry with standout rookie from last season Noel Wiebe, reuniting with her long-time backline partner in what could be a formidable defending tandem for the opposition to solve.
Coach's Quote: "Rae will bring a steadying influence to our back line along with dangeroud free kick skills. Having watched Rae develop in the BoniVital system, and knowing her passion, drive, and character, she will be a great fit on this Blazers team."
Glacier Wyryha | 5'1" Winger | College Lorette | BoniVital SC
Like her fellow rural new recruit Grace Moar, look for Glacier to bring more athleticism and versatility to the lineup. Don't let her name fool you; glacier will bring pace to the Blazers, and has ice in her veins, having also competed at a very high level of girls hockey in the province. Reunited teammates with Madeline Blackmore, watch for Wyryha to reignite that chemistry on the pitch this September.
Coach's Quote: "Glacier comes to CMU as a dual sport athlete who has competed in both high level soccer and hockey. We believe Glacier will contribute from a number of positions on the pitch in her freshman season. She has a great work ethic and we look forward to the level of intensity she will bring to the Blazers."
Vayda Smith | 5'9" | Sturgeon Heights | BoniVital SC
The BoniVital signings continued for Blazers women's soccer, adding multisport soccer/basketball star Vayda Smith to the roster earlier this spring. Comfortable up and down the left side of the pitch, look for Vayda to be a forceful presence on the squad, using her height and speed to defend and transition the ball upfield.
Coach's Quote: "Vayda is a well-rounded and skilled technical player that we expect to see make an impact in her freshman season. We are very excited to have Vayda join the Blazers family."
Returning to the Roster
The Blazers have a core of veterans and solid crop of sophomores continuing on with the club this season, hoping to build towards a championship-calibre roster. Key returnees to the lineup this season include captain Kasey Petruskavich who is back for a final year with the Blazers. 2024/25 MCAC All-Conference selection Kalyssa Wasylik will also be back, bringing her ability to beat opposition in one-on-one battles with her. Louisa Ibarra will be entering her third season with CMU, and the 2024/25 Futsal All-Conference selection will hope to continue her rise in the ranks, possessing an often unmatched competitive drive and motor in the Blazers' midfield.
The Blazers are hoping to get more out of some of their returning second and third years this season, beginning with sophomore Madeline Blackmore, who was a breakout star in the second half season for CMU futsal. Hampered by injury throughout the outdoor season last year, if Blackmore can stay healthy she could certainly play a bigger role this year. Another notable rookie last season was striker Juliana Millan, whose pace at the front is hard to ignore. The Colombian-born forward will need support and service up front if the Blazers want to increase their scoring this season. Now entering their third years, Leila Varias and Laurel Smith could factor in even more this season for CMU. Smith has seen her game steadily rise, and received the team's Most Improved award, with a pace and persistence that is every coach's dream. Finally, the Blazers are hoping defender Noel Wiebe's sophomore season could be a great one now that she has been reunited with her long-time defending partner in Rae Moist. The Rookie of the Year for Female Sports nominee is certainly one to watch for in 2025/26.
Newly minted Blazers head coach Peter Marinelli will certainly need to lean on all of his coaching experience to field the best starting eleven on any given game day, with good pieces coming in possibly slot in. He may still be looking to deepen the roster with more additions before training camp begins in August, with practice sessions throughout the spring and summer well underway. This year the MCAC regular schedule will mean more than ever with the top seed earning the right to host the 2025 MCAC Soccer Championships, and the winner heading to Red Deer for CCAA Nationals in early November.
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