Story Links
The Bisons women’s soccer team added an enormous piece to their recruiting class this week, announcing the commitment of veteran centerback Elana Kressock.
A graduate of J.H. Bruns Collegiate in Winnipeg, Kressock returns home following a storied career with the Western Mustangs, which included two OUA silver medals and two OUA bronze medals between the 2021-25 seasons. The program also won the OUA West Division Championship each year during that span.
Her roots to the local soccer community include Valour FC Elite (2018-2021) and the Bonivital Flames (2011-2021). She was also a member of Team Manitoba at the Western Canada Summer Games in 2019. A co-captain of the team, Kressock helped her province earn a silver medal.
Academically, Kressock will be taking her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at the University of Manitoba. It’s the next step in an academic journey that’s been nothing short of incredible.
A model student-athlete, Kressock was named to the Dean’s List every year from 2021-25, and she also earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status, and was a scholarship recipient in each of those years. Additionally, in 2025, Kressock received the Therese Quigley Award, given to the most elite graduating student-athlete at King’s University College, factoring in a combination of athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.
Further, in 2024-25, Kressock completed and presented her undergraduate thesis, which explored the relationship between personality, stress management and well-being, comparing the results between students, and student-athletes.
Kressock was also on the Western University Mustang Athlete Student Council (MASC) in 2023-24, facilitating access to campus resources involving student-athlete mental health, while promoting wellness and inclusivity among student-athletes with a focus on mental health, EDI, GBVP, and Indigenous initiatives.
“We connected early in the fall when I joined the Bisons, and had great conversations over the last couple of months about the opportunity for Elana to join our program, and pursue her Master’s degree here. I think she fits into our group really nicely. She’s experienced and super talented, and I expect her to be an integral part of our team next season,” said Bisons head coach Mark Colvin.
“What sets Elana apart is how well-rounded her game is. She’ll impact a match in all phases of attack and defence, while bringing a warm, positive energy to the team. She can also slot into a few different positions on the field. We’re really excited about this signing.”
“My time at Western helped me grow so much as both a player and a person,” added Kressock. “I’m excited for this next chapter at the University of Manitoba and to compete in front of my hometown, friends, and family as a Bison.”