Maya Turner continues to make significant strides in Canadian university football history. The Manitoba Bisons’ placekicker and punter made history by becoming the first woman to score in U Sports football during a pre-season game in 2022. She has now achieved another milestone by becoming the first female captain in the century-long history of the Bisons football program.
Expressing her gratitude, Turner stated, “It’s a tremendous honor and signifies the respect they have for me as a player and teammate, recognizing my leadership qualities beyond gender.” Following the end of the training camp, the 24-year-old was named one of the team’s seven captains, representing various positions.
Head coach Stan Pierre made the announcement to the team, with Turner admitting her surprise at being included, stating, “I was not expecting it entirely.” Pierre described the decision to appoint Turner as the specialist captain for her senior year as “a straightforward choice,” emphasizing her exceptional qualities as a student-athlete and leader on the team.
Turner’s trailblazing achievements in Canadian university football include being the first woman to play and score in a regular-season game, securing a game-winning field goal in double overtime. She maintained an impressive 79% accuracy rate in the 2023 season, ranking third in Bison football’s history. Notably, she kicked a 48-yard field goal, the eighth-longest in the nation.
In the 2024 season, Turner led the Canada West conference with a 75% field goal percentage and continued to showcase her talent with another 48-yard field goal. Her outstanding performance earned her recognition as a Canada West all-star, a groundbreaking achievement for women in U Sports football.
Throughout her journey, Turner, originally from Maple Grove, Minnesota, demonstrated her determination to excel in football, transitioning from playing soccer at Loyola University in Chicago to becoming a standout kicker. Her dedication and skills led her to the Manitoba Bisons, where she has been embraced as a football player first, irrespective of gender.
While Turner’s accomplishments are linked to breaking gender barriers, Coach Pierre hopes her success inspires others, acknowledging the challenges that remain. He emphasized Turner’s exceptional talent and the impact of her achievements in paving the way for more opportunities for female athletes in the sport.
Overall, Turner’s remarkable journey in Canadian university football serves as a beacon of inspiration, setting new standards and opening doors for future generations of female athletes.
