Graduating Senior Q&A: Six women's soccer players to be feted after final home game

Jason Hills
For MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON — Six members of the MacEwan women's soccer team will play their final home game of their university career this weekend.

The Griffins will play their cross-town rival University of Alberta Pandas in a home-and-home affair. MacEwan will visit Alberta on Saturday (12 p.m., Foote Field) before hosting them on Sunday (7 p.m., Clarke Stadium, both games Canada West TV).

Captain Hannah Supina, Abbey Wright, Avery Brisebois, Mimi Vignjevic, Maya Morrell and Bianca Castillo will all be honoured following Sunday's game against Alberta.

"This year's graduating class sets itself apart in their championing of our three team pillars: athletic success, academic success, and giving back to our community," said head coach Dean Cordeiro. "They leave a tangible impact on the program, setting new standards for determination and altruism."

Both Morrell and Castillo were part of last year's graduating senior Q&As, so read about them HERE.

For the other four graduating seniors, keep reading …

HANNAH SUPINA

Hannah Supina has been a rock on the Griffins' back line for her whole career (Joel Kingston photo).

Cordeiro's quote: "Hannah is just a ray of sunshine. She is always positive, always smiling. She is everybody's biggest fan and the support she offers lifts the whole team. On the field, she is our Hammer. She has an incredible engine and she never quits, just dominating play, up and down the sideline. Hannah checks every box for a captain - positive, energetic, and determined."

You're graduating with …

A Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology.

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I want to look into getting my masters in either health psychology or sports psychology!"

Do you have any future plans in soccer, on or off the pitch?

"No concrete plans currently. I always want to play soccer whether it's at a competitive level or not and I think I would really enjoy coaching one day."

What are some of your favourite memories of your time as a Griffin?

"Winning Nationals in 2021, pre-game locker-room parties and Rookie Idol."

You were named team captain the past two seasons, what did that mean to you to wear the captain's armband?

"I am very thankful to have been the captain on such a special team of not only amazing soccer players but women. We have such a talented group of women that brings their own personal magic to the game and unique leadership qualities to the team. I just love that I have had the privilege of playing a role on this team and that I am getting to do my last varsity season with these people by my side."

You've earned four-straight All-Canadian Academic Awards (2018-19, 19-20, 20-21, 21-22). Any advice for future Griffins, who want to thrive in the classroom and on the pitch?

"Bring anti-nausea meds so that you can do homework on the bus! Study hard, but take breaks. Pick classes you actually find interesting when you have the option to, and even though it's insanely busy, have so much fun. I found that I did better when I was enjoying myself and taking it day-by-day."

How do you think your time and what you brought to the Griffins program will be remembered? 

"I was lucky enough to be a part of the group that won Nationals in 2021, and I would love to be remembered as being part of the group that secures a gold medal this year as well. I'm really hoping every time The Club Can't Handle Me by Flo Rida comes on the speaker my pre- game dance routine is remembered. If you know, you know."

Anything else you'd like to say about your time at MacEwan?

"I wouldn't trade these past five years for the world. Thankful for the friendships, the coaches, Dianne and everyone along the way who made it a blast."

ABBEY WRIGHT

Abbey Wright's fearless, gritty style at centre-back has led MacEwan to their reputation as one of the stingiest teams in Canada West (Joel Kingston photo).

Cordeiro's quote: "She plays with tenacity and grit like no other. Abbey is a warrior doing whatever it takes to help her team win - I don't think I've ever seen a player as fearless. She is a rock defensively and a weapon on set pieces offensively. The whole team feeds off of Abbey's intensity - she makes us all better."

You're graduating with…

"I am graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, Criminology stem."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I think the goal is to become a forensic psychologist, so my next step will be getting a Masters in Forensic Psychology! Although, I am more than happy to get some work experience in the field in any way possible."

Do you have any future plans in soccer, on or off the pitch?

"I think soccer will always be a huge part of my life, but I am happy to end my career as a Griff. Although, I know I won't be able to stay away for long, so I am sure I will be playing back in Calgary on my League 1 summer team or staying in Edmonton and playing on a team here!" 

Your dad played professional hockey in the UK, and your mom competed in three World Masters Games in softball, how special was it for you to carve out your own path in a completely different sport?

"My big soccer role models came from my older brothers, I think that's how I really got into the sport. My parents have always been my biggest supporters, and I can't thank them enough for everything they have done to get me to this point. I think it was even more helpful having them not only come from a sports background, but continuing to play sports, it showed me how big the impact of sports can really have on your life."

What are some of your favourite memories of your time as a Griffin?

"I think one of my favourite memories was the experience of being at the 2021 U SPORTS Nationals. Not only winning, that was just one of the best feelings in the world, but I was also able to score a game-winning goal in the quarter-final game. The whole experience was just electric and a feeling that I will never forget." 

You won MacEwan soccer's Most Improved Player in 2021-22. What did winning that award mean to you?

"I think it just gave me a new sense of confidence. I mean any recognition on a team of this calibre will boost your confidence, but it really gave me a new sense of myself which helped not only my game but also being able to step into the leadership role I took on in the following years."

How do you think your time and what you brought to the Griffins program will be remembered?

"Just what a good teammate, hard worker and a voice (I am) to the backline. Our team's motto is 'together' – something that I have really attributed to our success to. Our team's bond and atmosphere was first created by those who came before us, and I am excited that we are able to maintain and have that same family atmosphere for future Griffs." 

Anything else you'd like to say about your time at MacEwan?

"This team will always be my family. Over my time in the past five years, I have experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in sport, but I always knew that my team would be by my side whenever I needed them. All the amazing people that I have been able to play with throughout my career as a Griffin will forever have a place in my heart. Not only the team but our staff have been the best and I have nothing but gratitude for their passion and dedication to this team."

MIMI VIGNJEVIC

Mimi Vignjevic has brought leadership on and off the field to the Griffins squad (Jefferson Hagen photo).

Cordeiro's quote: "Mimi is the epitome of a team player, she has such a 'team first' mentality, always the first to step up and volunteer. Her quiet determination and focus results in continual improvement on the field and amazing results in the classroom. Mimi is a true student of the game and an absolute pleasure to coach."

You're graduating with…

"A Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biological Honours and a Minor in Chemistry." 

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I want to pursue a PhD in cancer research. I want to help make advancements in the field of oncology and further our understanding of cancer. I also think becoming a university professor would be a possibility for me. I ultimately just want to help educate and shape the world." 

Do you have any future plans in soccer, on or off the pitch?

"I'd love to play for as long as possible. Doesn't matter the level, I just love the game too much to quit. I've also gotten opportunities to coach youth teams, and I've found enjoyment in that, too. I guess I'll just wait and see what the future holds for me regarding soccer."

You hold a black belt in Taekwondo. Have any of your teammates ever asked for lessons?

"No, but now that you've mentioned it maybe we could switch a pool recovery day with a Taekwondo lesson."

How has your Taekwondo training helped you on the soccer pitch?

"It's helped me with dedication and perseverance. I'm not someone who gives up easily, and in difficult times I really push through and leave everything I have on the field. I've also amassed a lot of self-control and courage to become a leader on and off the field."

Your father Nikola Vignjevic played pro soccer in Serbia, the U.S. and Canada. Did he give you any advice when you started to play the game at a high level, and particularly when you came to MacEwan?

"He's been giving me advice since Day 1. He's taught me everything I know about soccer, and without him I probably wouldn't be playing at this level. He'd teach me things to become a better player, but also made sure I became a better person, too. I think most importantly he's taught me to keep fighting for myself, no matter the situation. I really do owe him a lot." 

What are some of your favourite memories of your time as a Griffin?

"I mean, winning Nationals was life changing. That's definitely something that will stick with me for the rest of time. Of course, I also have to mention our Hawaii trip. Spending a week with my best friends making unforgettable memories is something I can't forget about. From the Manoa Falls hike I went on with my best friends, to walking back to our hotel in the pouring rain after a Target trip, that week in Hawaii has been a significant time in my life, and I will reminisce about it till the day I die. 

"Honestly, every single day I've spent with my team is memorable. I'm surrounded by so many amazing girls who make me so happy to be alive. I truly cherish every single moment I've spent with my past and present teammates." 

How do you think your time and what you brought to the Griffins program will be remembered?

"I think I'll be remembered for my hard work and passion. I really try to embody what it means to be a Griffin, both in the classroom and on the field, so I really hope I can inspire my teammates to keep that spirit alive.  

"Most importantly, I really hope I'll be remembered as a sister. Not as just another teammate, but as someone who had such a huge love for the team. As someone who was there for everyone, someone to talk to or get help from, someone who was willing to do anything for my team. I really love my sisters, and I hope they'll remember everything I've done for them."

Anything else you'd like to say about your time at MacEwan?

"It's been everything. I've learned so many things about myself, my passions, what I like and don't like. I've been given so many amazing opportunities, too, like publishing academic papers, joining research projects, traveling for research, and giving lectures to faculty and students. My time at MacEwan has helped change and shape me, and I really feel like I am leaving like a polished version of myself." 

"I really want to thank everyone who has played such a pivotal role during my time at MacEwan. My coaches, teammates, classmates, professors, and mentors. I couldn't have done any of this without you all."

AVERY BRISEBOIS

Avery Brisebois' triumph over adversity after knee surgery has been an inspiration to teammates (Rich Abney photo).

Cordeiro's quote: "Avery is such a positive role model for the team. Her leadership with younger athletes has been so valuable to the team. Having fought back from serious injury at the beginning of her career, Avery sets such a high standard for work ethic and determination. She motivates us all to work harder."

You're graduating with…

"I will be graduating with a bachelor of arts, majoring in psychology, and a minor in sociology."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I am thinking about doing a Masters of Counselling and maybe using that to do Sport Psychology but I don't have any definite plans right now."

Do you have any future plans in soccer, on or off the pitch?

"I think that soccer will always be apart of my life and I'm an in town player so I will probably play for our club team NWU."

You played both volleyball and basketball in high school, did you ever consider potentially playing either of those sports at the next level, or was soccer always the goal to play at the university level?

"There was conversation about me playing basketball at university or potentially trying to be a dual athlete but I always knew soccer was the one sport I want to pursue in university.

What are some of your favourite memories of your time as a Griffin?

"As for favourite memories, you can't really top becoming a National Champion. My other favourite memory would have to be our team trip to Hawaii."

How do you think your time and what you brought to the Griffins program will be remembered?

"I think that my biggest role has been supporting the other girls going through injuries. I had surgery on my knee my first year at MacEwan, and I think after going through that, I've been able to relate and support other girls who are going through knee injuries on a more personal level. In my first year, Kristyn Smart was a senior who had gone through knee surgeries and was someone I could talk to. I knew then that I wanted to make sure I could give that level of support to the girls coming after me."

Anything else you'd like to say about your time at MacEwan?

"I couldn't be prouder to be a part of such a hard-working group of girls. Not only are these girls some of the best soccer players I've been around but they are the best people I know. I'm thankful every day for the teammates I have and the close friends that I will have long after I graduate."