RECRUIT PROFILE: All-Canadian Kayla Kyle joins Gee-Gees for 2022

The University of Ottawa's women's soccer team bolstered their backline with the addition of Kayla Kyle for the 2022 campaign.

Kyle spent the last four years with the Bishop's Gaiters, most recently being named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian and an RSEQ First Team All-Star for the 2021 fall season.

"I first considered uOttawa during my last season at BU," said Kyle. "I wanted to continue my graduate studies in Criminology and knew that uOttawa is a great destination not only for my academics, but my athletic career. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to compete and keep growing alongside extremely talented players and coaches."

Kyle dressed for every Gaiters game during her three-season stretch with the program, being named captain for her final season with Bishop's. Her three goals in 2021 were second on the team, as the Gaiters came just short of making the conference playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Originally from Montreal and a graduate of John Abbott College (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que.), Kyle was named to the RSEQ and U SPORTS All-Rookie Teams in 2018, and the RSEQ Second All-Star Team in 2019.

"The University of Ottawa is recognized for their Criminology department, being in the nation's capital with countless opportunities and being closer to home, it was a no-brainer for me to continue my studies here," said Kyle, who describes herself as an intelligent player with a high soccer IQ.

Off the field, Kyle was recognized for her work in the Lennoxville/Sherbrooke community and on the Bishop's campus by being awarded the RSEQ Student-Athlete Community Service Award and the U SPORTS Student-Athlete Community Service Award.

She was a founding member of the Bishop's University Student-Athlete Leadership Council, and a regular volunteer with the Jr. Gaiters Program and various other community initiatives. The defender earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours on two occasions. 

Kyle played her club soccer during the summer of 2021 with A.S. Blainville of Quebec's PSLQ, alongside fellow Gee-Gee Kaylane Hogue. Their side won the 2021 PSLQ championship.