Maya Turner’s captaincy with Manitoba Bisons cements legacy
Posted October 1, 2026 12:11 pm.
From being the first woman ever to play in a U Sports football game to becoming the first female all-star, Maya Turner has been a trailblazer ever since she joined the Manitoba Bisons in 2023.
Now, in her senior year, she’s been named a team captain, cementing a historic career.
“It’s just a huge honour being named team captain and that the coaches and the team are able to see me as a leader on this team,” Turner told CityNews.
Turner’s story has made headlines over the years; she remains the only woman ever to have played in a U Sports men’s football game.
And while she says it’s humbling to know she’s an inspiration to many young female athletes, Turner says it’s never been about the spotlight or notoriety – just the love of the game.
“I just want to be seen like any other player on the team and that I’m on the team because I’m good enough to be on the team and I’m qualified, and me being a woman has nothing to do with any of it,” she said.
“I’m just another kicker in this conference, and like fit in just as well as anyone else would.”
Sean Oleksewycz, the Bisons’ special teams coordinator, says the players on the team love and respect Turner.
“I think that’s the big thing about Maya is she’s earned the respect of her team through the work, not in season, but in the off-season too,” Oleksewycz said.
And the work clearly shows. She’s racked up 40 field goals and 67 extra points during her time with the Bisons.
Turner says she hasn’t had much time to reflect yet as her senior year winds down.
She’s just staying in the moment and focusing on each kick ahead of her.
“I try not to like think too much about this being my last year, like put too much pressure on myself any more than I already have, it being my last year.
“But I mean, yeah, I think I’ve been preparing myself. I’m aware that it’s my last year and yeah, just trying to make the most of everything.”
