Homegrown Defender: Ruby Szautner’s Rise with the Cougars

For most athletes, the journey to university sports means leaving home, venturing into a new city, and finding comfort in the unknown. For Mount Royal Cougars defender Ruby Szautner, the path was different. Staying home in Calgary, playing in front of family, and continuing her development in a familiar setting was exactly what she wanted.

"It just made sense," Szautner said. "I didn't want to move out of my house, and it was obviously cheaper to live at home. I had two options here in Calgary, and I felt Mount Royal was the better fit for me."

That decision set her on a path that would lead to an impressive rookie season, a spot on the Canada West All-Rookie Team, and now, a test of resilience as she navigates injury and looks ahead to what she believes will be a breakthrough season for the Cougars.

Szautner grew up surrounded by sports. Her parents encouraged her and her older brother to try just about everything. Soccer, hockey, baseball, there was no shortage of competition in the Szautner household. Her brother eventually committed to baseball, playing at the University of Calgary after a stint in junior hockey. Ruby's road, however, was shaped by a tough decision between her two favourite sports.

"I grew up playing boys' hockey and girls' soccer," she said. "When I got to bantam and hitting started, I kind of had to transition out of hockey. I didn't really want to play women's hockey, and at Blizzard (soccer), I had everything I needed. So I stuck with soccer."

It turned out to be the right choice. Surrounded by a talented Blizzard club team that sent players to universities across Canada, Szautner honed her defensive game and grew into a fast, intelligent, and competitive player, traits that caught the attention of Cougars head coach Tino Fusco.

While Szautner respected her longtime club coach, who now leads the University of Calgary Dinos, she wanted a different look. What stood out to her most about MRU was Fusco's approach.

"Tino was very adamant about playing the best players, no matter what year they were in," Szautner said. "That was really refreshing to hear. A lot of coaches don't say that. Coming here gave me the best chance to play right away."

Still, August 1, the Cougars' training camp start date, was intimidating. Fitness testing, new teammates, and the uncertainty of where she fit in weighed on her.

"I was terrified," she admitted. "But I quickly realized it wasn't about being the best right away. It was about improving. That gave me confidence."

Leaning on fellow Blizzard alumni Siddaly Alcock and Sophie Kinghorn, Szautner eased her way into the team dynamic. A naturally shy person, she took her time branching out, but by the end of camp, she felt at home.

Preseason offered little insight into Fusco's plans. Lineups rotated, players switched positions, and Szautner even found herself trying out holding midfield. So when the season opener arrived, she was shocked to see her name in the starting lineup.

"I thought for sure I'd have to wait my turn," she said. "Center back is a position where players usually play 90 minutes. I figured I'd get a few minutes here and there. To start right away, and then play every game, was like a dream come true."

Szautner anchored the Cougars' defense all season, bringing pace, composure, and toughness. Her play earned her recognition beyond Calgary, earning her a spot on the Canada West All-Rookie Team.

"It was an honour," she said. "It's cool to be recognized by people who don't even know you, who are just looking at the game and the stats. I didn't even know it was a thing until I got it."

The Cougars' 2024 season didn't end in the playoffs, but the young roster gained valuable experience. The offseason became a time of growth. With strength coach Michelle Jang pushing the group hard in the gym and Fusco maintaining intense training sessions, Szautner felt herself getting stronger and more confident heading into year two.

But just as momentum was building, a shoulder injury brought everything to a halt.

For a player as competitive as Szautner, watching from the sidelines has been difficult.

"It's gut-wrenching," she said. "I'm a very competitive person, so not being able to compete has been tough mentally. I don't even know when I'll be back. The doctors don't have answers yet. I'm just trying to stay positive, stay motivated, and keep working on my fitness so I'm ready when the time comes."

Her current training routine involves technical work, limited running, and helping out in drills with the goalkeepers. It's not the same as competing in matches, but it allows her to remain part of the team culture she values so much.



Whether she returns this season or not, Szautner is confident the Cougars are ready to take the next step.

"I think we're going to surprise a lot of teams," she said. "I think we're making the playoffs this year, and I think we can compete for first place. We've learned from last year, especially about staying composed in the last 20 minutes of games. If we fix that, we'll be dangerous."

And when she does get back on the field, there's little doubt what fans will see from her.

"My favourite part of soccer is making last-ditch defensive plays, blocking shots, or making a huge tackle," she said with a smile. "I might not slide tackle a lot, but I love being that defender who saves the team."

For Szautner, soccer has always been about tough choices, between sports, schools, and now, between patience and frustration during rehab. But if her first year is any indication, she's built for the long run.