University of Manitoba Athletics

It’s impressive for a player to score 14 times in just 18 career matches in two U SPORTS seasons. However, it’s ridiculous when that player has never played organized soccer in her entire life.

Growing up in Fortaleza, Brazil, Bruna Mavignier has never even played an organized soccer match. She developed her skill set through futsal – similar to soccer with the exception of a smaller ball, a hardwood floor, and fewer players (four field players and a goalkeeper in each squad).

During her entire childhood she competed in futsal against boys. In her first attempt to join a futsal team, her elementary school prohibited girls to play with boys. The very next year, the school rescinded their decision and Mavignier played on the boy’s team until the age of 12.

“There was no girls team on my school for that age, maybe not in the whole city,” said Mavignier. “To join the girls’ team in my school, you had to be 12 years old.”

She arrived in Canada in 2013 through a Brazilian scholarship and did not take long to convince the team that she was a piece of the Bisons puzzle. A fast-paced player with excellent control and confidence with both feet as well as on headers, it is no wonder that Mavignier’s goal scoring rate has taken U SPORTS by storm.

Mavignier spent the bulk of last season recovering from an injury, yet managed to appear in the National Championship for the brown and gold. It was an experience that the striker did not take for granted.

“It was one of the greatest experiences in my Bison career,” said Mavignier. “I was so excited for everything, the games, the events. I am so thankful that I had the chance to participate in a national championship, and even better, hosting one.”

As the fifth-year player looks back on her time with the Bisons, a few memories stands out among the rest. This list includes her impressive goal-scoring rate in her first few seasons and winning the consolation match in the championship series last year by a rather convincing scoreline.

“Wining a game in the national championship was really awesome, especially when we got to beat our opponents 5-1. Individually, being in the top three and top four Canada West top scorers in my first year, and second year, respectively, was amazing.” 

2014: A native of Brazil, Mavignier arrived in Canada in 2013 through a Brazilian scholarship. It didn't take long for her to convince the Bisons that she was a piece to their puzzle for the following season. Played and started in 12 regular season games, leading the team in goals with eight, and points with nine. 

2015: Played and started in six regular season games, once again leading the team in goals with six. Was also tied for the team lead in points, with eight. 

2016: Played in 14 regular season games, starting seven. Finished with one assist. 

2017: Did not play in any regular season games, but made a huge impact at U SPORTS Nationals. Also took home the team's Highest GPA award. Mavignier completed her undergrad with a 4.33 GPA and will be starting a master's degree in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management this year. 

Personal: Growing up in Fortaleza, Brazil, Mavignier never played an organized soccer match. She honed herself through futsal, which is similar to soccer with the exception of a smaller ball and a hardwood floor. Is enrolled in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management.