Cavalcanti’s ‘full-circle moment’

In June, interim head coach Fabio Capone was preparing for his first season with the Manitoba Bisons women's soccer team. He had one name circled on the roster: Bianca Cavalcanti. Cavalcanti, a veteran player known for her scoring prowess, had been away for two seasons and missed the beginning of last season. Capone, who was unfamiliar with many players, was surprised when Cavalcanti arrived unannounced at the Bisons' summer prospects camp, a session reserved for rookies.

Capone quickly learned that Cavalcanti was a leader and a force on the pitch, stating, "I learned more from her than she probably learned from me."

Cavalcanti, born in Brazil, arrived in Canada at 15 through an exchange program and spent her Grade 11 year at Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale, Alta. She returned to Brazil to finish high school and was later recruited by a professional team in her hometown, where she earned Most Valuable Player honors. After contemplating her options, Cavalcanti chose to come to Canada for its education system. She graduated with an engineering degree, intending to bring her experiences to her Canadian teammates.

In 2025, Cavalcanti returned to the pitch after missing the pre-season and early portion of the regular season due to her father's death. She scored nine goals and provided four assists in 14 matches, leading the Bisons to a strong season. On Wednesday night, Cavalcanti became the second Bison in program history to be named a U Sports First Team All-Canadian.