Press Release
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Janik Roy, Krista Phillips and Madeleine Belliveau join soccer Aigles Bleues
Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues soccer coach Mehyar Zekaroui is pleased to announce that three players will join his women’s soccer team for the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.
Janik Roy of Moncton, Krista Phillips of Dalhousie and Madeleine Belliveau of Dieppe are the three players who will continue their studies at the Moncton campus in September.
Janik Roy, 17, is 5 feet 4 inches. Born in Bathurst, she competes with the Codiac High Performance Program and in the New Brunswick Senior Women's League. “The Francophonie is a very important aspect for me,” she said of her decision to continue her studies in Moncton. “I wish to help the team with my game and perform well for its benefit.”
Dupuis has been playing soccer for 14 years. Her strengths are long kicks, ball control and determination. She aims to improve her endurance and physical strength. She is enrolled in nursing. “I am proud to be francophone and Acadian. Soccer is my sport, and I know that university soccer is of a high caliber and intense.”
A goaltender, Krista Phillips, 18 years old, is 5 feet 4 inches tall. Born in Campbellton, she currently plays with Dieppe and Restigouche teams. She has many years of experience with local, school and national tournaments. “I chose the Aigles Bleues because I really appreciate the sense of belonging and family that the Aigles offer,” she explained. “In addition, the team has good chemistry. I don't just want to play soccer, but also be part of a family with my teammates and I think the Aigles are the best place to do that.”
Phillips would love to be able to make a difference during her time as an athlete with the Aigles. Winning a championship is desirable, “but if we go as far as possible and we have given everything to get there, I will be satisfied. I am aware that it may not happen at first, but I am ready to work with my team and dedicate my time to make it happen.” She has been playing in the sport for 13 years, and her strengths are good communication, good vision on the field and good reflexes. She can handle the ball as well. “I'm aiming to improve my distribution skills. I have experienced progress over time, but I would like the opportunity to work on them even more. I also want to revisit goalkeeping techniques, because I haven't necessarily been taught everything and I want the chance to perfect them.” She is enrolled in a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and has also played high school badminton and volleyball.
Madeleine Belliveau, 17 years old, is 5 feet 5 inches tall and played with the U17 Soccer Dieppe team and Mathieu-Martin Vedettes. “I've been playing soccer for 7 years and I want to keep playing,” she said. “When I was younger, I really enjoyed retrieving balls at their games. I want to go to my local university with great pride. I want to compete at the university level, and proudly represent the Université de Moncton.”
The idea of studying and playing the sport she enjoys is attractive to the player. Her strengths are her control in midfield, good vision, and anticipation. “I want to improve my physical strength and the accuracy of my shots,” she added. “University soccer is more physical.” She is enrolled in a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. She played with the Dieppe senior team last summer. She is a multi-sport athlete in hockey and ultimate frisbee. She appreciates the high caliber of play and wants to prepare herself physically and mentally to contribute well to her team.
Coach Mehyar Zekaroui is looking forward to hosting these three athletes at the training camp. The Aigles Bleues will begin their training for next season around August 20.
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