Tierney commits to Axewomen soccer for 2026 AUS season

The Acadia Axewomen have added one of Cape Breton’s top young midfielders with the commitment of Sydney River native Alyse Tierney for the 2026 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) season.

Tierney, a 5’4 midfielder, has been a key member of the Caper’s Academy program for the past decade, most recently competing with the club’s U17AAA team. Her 2024 season included several major honours: MVP Runner-Up, Player’s Player of the Year, and selection to the Caper’s Academy Team of the Year.

At Riverview Rural High School, Tierney has earned both the Coaches Award and the Outstanding Contribution to the Team Award in back-to-back years, underscoring her leadership and influence on the field. She has also been a strong academic performer, achieving Honours with Distinction for the past three years and ranking among the top three students in her grade each year.

Tierney’s experience extends to the provincial stage, having trained and competed with the Nova Scotia Canada Games program over the past two years. She travelled with the team to international competition in Florida and England, gaining valuable exposure against elite opponents. She recently received an invitation to join the Halifax Tides Academy and plans to begin training with the program in the coming year.

Head coach Danielle Cyr said Tierney represents the type of student-athlete the Axewomen strive to recruit.

“Alyse is an excellent student-athlete,” said Cyr. “Her commitment in the classroom matches her dedication on the field and that level of discipline translates directly into her play and her preparation. On the field, Alyse brings a calm composure on the ball and impressive versatility, allowing her to impact the game in multiple roles. She is also an outstanding teammate — positive, supportive, and someone who raises the environment around her. Her character, attitude, and academic excellence make her a perfect fit for our Axewomen culture, and we’re excited to welcome her to Acadia.”

Tierney said her decision to commit to Acadia was influenced by the university’s atmosphere, academic programs, and her positive experience working with Cyr in the Nova Scotia provincial system.

“I was so impressed by how welcoming the team was and how strong their culture felt,” she said. “I loved the community feel of Acadia, and the kinesiology program really stood out to me. After meeting the faculty and training with the players, it felt like the right fit.”

Set to enrol in kinesiology, Tierney hopes to continue her soccer career as long as possible before pursuing medical school. She said Acadia’s academic environment and support systems will help her take the next steps toward her long-term goals.