A trio of area products helped the Brandon University women’s soccer team to the program’s first ever Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament appearance.
The Minnedosa duo of Trinity Nylen, a goalkeeper, and Ashley Robinson, a versatile player who generally played in the midfield, as well as assistant coach Bailee Ploshynsky, who grew up in Rossburn, all contributed to the Brandon school squad winning the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference championship. In a final match that was delayed due to weather and then moved inside, the BU Bobcats beat Providence College, 2-1. That earned the team a berth in the national tournament in Summerside, PEI. The Bobcats were unable to come away with a victory at nationals, but Robinson said:
“It was a great experience playing against high level teams. It was also a good learning experience as this was Brandon University women’s soccer team’s first time there. We now know what to expect and can work towards getting there and competing at nationals next year.”
Ploshynsky suited up as a player for the Bobcats in the early days of the program in 2014-2018. This was her first season on the sidelines helping mentor student-athletes at her alma mater.
“Coaching the Bobcats and seeing them make it to the East Coast for nationals was an incredible experience,” Ploshynsky said. “I feel lucky and proud to have witnessed the remarkable growth of the players throughout the sea- son. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to support and observe these dedicated athletes from the sidelines, as they pursue their love for the sport with determination and hard work.”
(Image – Trinity Nylen)
Trinity Nylen, whose father is James Nylen and mother is Pennie Carter, was a veteran leader for the Bobcats in her final MCAC soccer season. “She definitely was a strong voice on our team,” BU head women’s soccer coach Orlin Chalmers said. “She put her best foot for- ward any time she was out there – whether it was in practice or games that she played. She brought that, I would say, drive. You can tell she really wanted it this year. It was clear as day from her voicing that from the very be- ginning and her actions. Whenever she came to practice, she dialed into keeper training and making sure she understood that role. She was up for the challenge.”
Winning a MCAC title and playing at nationals was quite the way for Nylen to wrap up her Bobcats soccer career. This coming spring Nylen is slated to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the history honours program. She will remember her days guarding the goal for the Bobcats.
“I have always loved play- ing soccer but the real reason I have loved playing soccer at BU is the Bobcat community,” Nylen said. “Over the past four years with the team I have developed amazing friendships not only with my team but all the teams at the university. It is a great place where you feel supported as an athlete, and it pushes you to want to play your best.”
(Image – Emilie Dornez, Ashley Robinson, and Pia Bokingkito)
Chalmers praised Ashley Robinson’s leadership qualities. “She brought, I would say, passion, consistency, and just an absolute leader through and through. She is a very talented player and she just contributed quite a bit on and off the pitch.”
Robinson was often used as an attacking midfielder. However, due to her versatility, sometimes she played in other spots, such as centre-forward. Chalmers said, “She handled it with nothing but grace and passion and just ab- solute quality throughout.”
Robinson’s mother is Kim Butler and her stepdad is Grant Butler. Her father is Perry Robinson. Robinson is studying psychiatric nursing. She is to graduate in 2026.
(Image – Bailee Ploshynsky)
As a player, Bailee Ploshynsky was a star on the program’s early teams. She scored the Bobcats’ first goal. As well, Ploshynsky helped the squad win two MCAC titles.
“As a captain during my time as a Bobcat athlete I supported the athletes as an athlete, however as a coach, I was able to support the athletes as a coach which was a very rewarding experience,” she said.
Ploshynsky joined the BU women’s soccer team coach- ing staff after fellow assistant coach Diego Rodriguez, who coached her as a Bobcat, reached out.
“I have had many coaches give their time to me as an athlete, it is now my turn to give my time to young athletes who are where I once was,” said Ploshynsky, who teaches at Rivers Collegiate and coaches various sports. “I have really enjoyed this transition from athlete to coach. It is rewarding to be on the other side of the sideline now, especially at this level.”
The team was pleased to have her.
“She definitely brought a steady hand, and she brought leadership as well for the women,” Chalmers said. “I think she is an amazing individual and I think she showed young women how to operate and how to operate as a professional in this environment. I think it was a great example that she set for this team. Plus, on top of that, she was a steady voice within the staff. (As a staff,) we really worked well together and we made sure we kept that consistency for the team, which in turn led to a win.”
(Article courtesy of Virden-native Robin Wark who is a freelance writer living in Sooke, BC)
