Ann Stéphanie Fortin '21 Recruiting Profile

I began to play soccer at 7, but I only got hooked defending the net at 10. A classic scenario where no one wanted to go in goal, so I went for a game and loved it. Growing up, I was a tad reserved. However, on the field and in my goal, it was another story. I was fearless and more importantly I had leadership. You see, I strongly believe being a goalkeeper is much more than standing in front of the net and blocking shots. One could say my main strengths are my communication, the 1vs1 situations, and my engagement in building the play from the back.

I was first selected to make Quebec's provincial team at age 13 in 2017 on the U15 level. Quebec annually competes against Ontario on the U14-U15-U16 level in a friendly tournament meant to give a spotlight to the new generations of players across the provinces. This first experience taught me to be resilient in adversity. Today, I can say that my capacity for adaptation is part of my identity along with my tenacity and desire to learn.

At 14, I was recruited to attend a special program recognized through the entire country: the Women's Excel Program (REX/EXCEL) in Quebec's Super Centre created by the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) Women's program. This program was built around international best practices to overcome the challenges our system has faced in the past. It provides a clear and continuous path to the country's most promising players to be eventually called up for the Women's National Team Program; a dream I entertained since I was young.

They say you always remember your first cap.

2018 was a year of many firsts, decisions, and realizations. This is when I understood that playing at the highest level was attainable. It's when I felt the pride of playing for the True North; my Country; my Home. It's when I decided that soccer would be a part of me for as long I could, leading to a new goal: playing on the collegiate level in the United States.

My first Concacaf was indeed the highlight of my career so far, but one thing is for sure, studying abroad is my next target to become the best version of myself, as a person, as an athlete, and as a student.

My journey shaped the person I am now and I hope that I will be allowed to further grow by playing for a university as passionate for the love of the Game as I am.

Ann Stéphanie Fortin