The Algoma Thunderbirds women’s soccer program will open a new chapter when they kick off the 2025 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) season at home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on August 30 and 31. Hosting the Brock Badgers for back-to-back matches with 1:00 p.m. kickoffs both days, the Thunderbirds will debut a new head coach, an influx of fresh talent, and a renewed sense of ambition.
This season’s roster sees eight exciting new recruits joining the fold, each bringing unique qualities to strengthen the squad. Between the posts, Paisley Pennington (Oshawa, ON) adds athleticism and strong distribution, while Ayla Mazzuca (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) offers composed defending and game-reading ability. Up front, Kianna Reppington (Brantford, ON) brings natural finishing instincts, and Katie Belanger (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) provides stability in midfield. Alexa Romano (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) adds width and tireless work on the right side, Sylvie Kostyshin (Langley, BC) delivers technical flair from the wing, Erin Santin (Mississauga, ON) shores up the back line, and Sienna Nimubona (Prince Albert, SK) injects pace and creativity on the flank.
The squad also benefits from a strong veteran core, including third-year centre backs Maddi Rouleau (Barrie, ON) and Samantha Mazzuca (Sault Ste. Marie, ON), midfield engine Taya Shackleton (Sault Ste. Marie, ON), and dangerous winger Berlyn Killoran (Sault Ste. Marie, ON). Their experience will anchor the team both on and off the pitch.
A group of second-year returnees provides additional depth and OUA experience: goalkeeper Victoria Fernandes (Oakville, ON), defenders Samarah Hammond and Simona Mazzuca (both from Sault Ste. Marie, ON), speedy wingers Yvonne Barnes and Tori Carbone (Sault Ste. Marie, ON), and commanding centre back Madalyn Clement (Sault Ste. Marie, ON), who returns after a year away.
Looking ahead, the new coach has set a clear vision: “The OUA is a league where every match demands your best. This fall, we aim to be a team that’s difficult to play against but also exciting to watch. My primary objective is to lay the foundation for a program that grows stronger each year.” The plan is to merge veteran leadership with rookie energy, fostering cohesion, adaptability, and confidence in every match.
The early season will be crucial in setting the tone. Discipline, fitness, and attention to detail will be key—executing strong defensive shapes, moving the ball quickly, capitalizing on chances, and managing the mental and physical demands of OUA play.
With a fresh coaching philosophy, a balanced mix of experience and youth, and a home-opening weekend against a tough Brock Badgers squad, the Thunderbirds are ready to make their mark in 2025.
“In addition to being named interim head coach of the women’s team, I will be entering my third year as assistant coach with the Algoma men’s program, which has given me valuable insight into the level of preparation and commitment needed to succeed in the OUA. I am very confident in the coaching staff we have assembled: David Andreychuk as our lead assistant coach, Mia Giuliano as an assistant coach, and Megan Girardi as our goalkeeper coach, each bringing experience, knowledge, and passion that will help drive our program forward,” said new women’s soccer coach Steve Mazzuca.
