Ellie Lancaster announced as Cape Breton recipient of AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award
The CAPERS goalkeeper, dual-sport athlete and community leader is being recognized for her achievements in athletics, academics and service.
(HALIFAX, N.S.) Atlantic University Sport is pleased to announce Cape Breton CAPERS women's soccer student-athlete Ellie Lancaster as Cape Breton University's recipient of the 2026 AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award.
Beginning this year, Atlantic University Sport is recognizing one student-athlete from each member university as a recipient of the prestigious award, highlighting outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship.
Each recipient receives a $500 scholarship in recognition of their accomplishments.
Established in 1985, the James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is one of Atlantic University Sport's premier student-athlete honours.
A third-year business student from Fall River, N.S., Lancaster has excelled as both a student and athlete while making a meaningful impact in the Cape Breton community.
A standout goalkeeper for the CAPERS women's soccer team, Lancaster was named an AUS First Team All-Star in 2025 and 2023 and earned AUS Second Team All-Star honours in 2024. She was also named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team in 2023.
This season, Lancaster started 10 games for the CAPERS and posted a .898 save percentage, the second-best mark in Atlantic University Sport. She helped lead Cape Breton to back-to-back AUS women's soccer championships in 2025 and 2024 and has been a key contributor to the program's success throughout her career.
In addition to her success on the soccer pitch, Lancaster is a dual-sport athlete who suited up in seven games for the CAPERS women's basketball team this season.
Lancaster has also excelled in the classroom as a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian while pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Legal Studies. She is also working toward a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science.
Lancaster was also honoured this year as the recipient of Cape Breton University's 2026 Nancy Dingwall Award for Impact, presented annually to a student-athlete who exemplifies the values of compassion, strength, pride and leadership through their contributions on campus and in the community.
Beyond her athletic and academic achievements, Lancaster is deeply involved in the Cape Breton community. She serves as Girls Head of Goalkeeping with the CAPERS Academy, mentoring and developing young athletes while helping build confidence and leadership skills in aspiring female goalkeepers. She has also volunteered at community events and school initiatives throughout the region and is a passionate ambassador for both Cape Breton University and CAPERS Athletics.
"Ellie is an outstanding example of an individual who demonstrates compassion, strength, pride and a fierce commitment to excellence," said CAPERS women's soccer assistant coach Mitchell Hanna. "She is a leader within our team, a mentor to young athletes and someone who consistently makes those around her better. Ellie has embraced the Cape Breton community and has had a positive impact both on and off the field."
Acadia Axewomen soccer student-athlete Leah Adams was announced yesterday as Acadia University's recipient of the AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award. The remaining nine recipients will be announced over the coming days.
James Bayer taught education and physical education at both high school and university levels. He served as supervisor and consultant for the Nova Scotia Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness.
At Acadia University, he served as dean of recreation and physical education and as director of athletics from 1978-1985. As an administrator in the AUAA and the CIAU, he was a key player in the establishment of intercollegiate athletic policy.
The PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually by PepsiCo Beverages Canada.