Madeline Blackmore: September's Zueike Female Athlete of the Month
Blackmore takes aim at goal during a match against the Cougars in September
Congratulations to Madeline Blackmore of Blazers Women's Soccer on being selected the CMU Zueike Female Athlete of the Month for September. The sophomore started all seven of the Blazers' matches in the month, and leads the team in nearly all offensive statistical categories.
After a tough rookie outdoor campaign in 2024 that saw Blackmore in and out of the lineup due to injury, her star started to rise during the futsal season, when her ability to finish in front of goal truly became evident. Blackmore has parlayed that indoor success into a good start to the 2025 outdoor season, scoring four of the Blazers' six goals in the month, and currently sits sixth in the conference in that category. Perhaps more than anything, Blackmore's ability to score clutch goals has been paramount to the team's succes, lifting the Blazers to two wins over the Cougars in the month, and helping the team secure the season series and take a huge advantage in holding the tie-break in the standings with their Western Manitoba opponents. Both wins were on game-winning goals from Blackmore, and she currently leads the conference in that statistical category.
Of particular note was the Blazers' matchup on a rainy afternoon on September 20th, when the Cougars looked to have locked in a low-scoring draw after pulling even with CMU just moments after Blackmore opened the scoring off a beautiful strike in open play. In the dying seconds of the match, a Blackmore corner kick miraculously found the back of the net, securing the huge win.
Blackmore also leads the Blazers in points, shots, and shot percentage, and sees herself among the league's best in most of those categories as well. She received the player of the match honours for the team's match against Providence on September 14th, but certainly could have taken home more simply for the impact she has had this season so far. Head Coach Peter Marinelli weighed in on his top performer to start the season, stating "Madi has consistently demonstrated her desire to compete in each and every game from kickoff off to final whistle. In particular, upon regaining possession of the ball she transitions quickly to a positive attacking phase of play which has led to many opportunities toward goal for her and teammates."
The Blazers have a tough stretch ahead with two away matches this weekend, first against the league-leading Bobcats, then a critical matchup with Les Rouges, as CMU, USB, and AC duke it out for two playoff spots between the three teams. The MCAC Championship weekend takes place the October 25/26 weekend with a new format granting the regular season champion the right to host championship weekend.
