A new voice will lead the Manitoba Bisons women's soccer program heading into 2026, as longtime Manitoba soccer coach and University of Manitoba alumnus Fabio Capone takes over as interim head coach.

Capone is primed and ready to take the Bisons to the next level. With more than three decades of coaching experience in the province, Capone has worked at virtually every level of the local game, including roles with St. Charles, Bonivital, Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association and FC Manitoba. He now returns to his alma mater, bringing with him a deep understanding of the Manitoba soccer community.

Manitoba enters the 2026 campaign looking to build on a strong finish to last season. The Bisons earned points in each of their final four games in 2025, including a win and a draw against Alberta before sweeping Lethbridge to close the campaign.

The finale was particularly memorable, as the Herd erupted for six goals in a 6-2 victory over the Pronghorns — the program's highest offensive output in three seasons.

Now, the challenge is to carry that momentum into a new season.

A group ready to grow

While there are new faces throughout the program, Manitoba will not be starting from scratch.  The Herd have 13 players in at least their third year of eligibility, giving Capone a foundation of players who already understand the demands of Canada West soccer.

Sarina Mann will be one of the players to watch after leading the Bisons offensively in 2025. Bianca Cavalcanti provides another important piece of experience. The veteran striker has notched 19 goals in CW play over her three seasons on the team.

Other strong veteran midfielders and defenders include Evelyn Lekivetz, Lulu Bordeaux, Mia Fonseca, Shannon Lee, and Taylor Sousa.  All three keepers from a year ago also return to the team, lead by veteran Holly Dyker.
The returning group will be relied upon to help establish the pride and discipled culture of a program entering a new era.

A major addition in the back
One of the biggest additions to the 2026 roster comes in the form of Elana Kressock.

The Winnipeg product returns home after a highly successful career with the Western Mustangs, where she helped Western win the OUA West Division championship in each of her seasons while earning two OUA silver medals and two bronze medals.

A graduate of J.H. Bruns Collegiate, Kressock also has deep roots in Manitoba soccer, having played with Valour FC Elite and the Bonivital Flames before representing Team Manitoba at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.

Now, she will bring that experience to the Bisons' back line.

"She's experienced and super talented, and I expect her to be an integral part of our team this season," said Capone.

Adding talent from across the country

Manitoba has also continued to expand its recruiting reach.  Mackenzie Munro-Flora, a 5-foot-10 midfielder from St. Catharines, Ontario, joins the Herd after serving as a captain with multiple teams and competing with Rush Canada in League 1 U20. Munro-Flora was part of league championship teams in 2024 and 2025 and was ranked among the top graduating seniors in Ontario for 2026. She also brings an impressive academic résumé, having maintained an average above 94 per cent in high school.

And there is another local addition who should add depth to the back line. Isabella Johnston, a 5-foot-6 fullback from Winnipeg, joins Manitoba after spending time at Trinity Western University. A J.H. Bruns graduate, Johnston was a high school Athlete of the Year and brings championship experience from her time with 1v1 Soccer Academy. For a program that has long placed an emphasis on developing Manitoba talent, her addition is another important piece.

A fresh voice, familiar surroundings

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline of all will be watching what Capone can build. His familiarity with the local soccer landscape is extensive, but the U SPORTS environment presents a different challenge. The Bisons have shown flashes of what they can become. Now, with a new coaching staff, returning contributors and an influx of talent, the Herd will look to turn last season's strong finish into sustained success.

For Capone, the opportunity is personal.

For the players, it is a chance to help shape what comes next.

And for the Bisons, 2026 represents the beginning of a new chapter.

The first test arrives September 4, when Manitoba opens its home schedule against the University of Calgary Dinos at East Turf Field. It all begins at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available now. 

A new season.

A new voice.

And a familiar Brown and Gold program ready to see what comes next.