VICTORIA – The University of Victoria women's field hockey team, the reigning U SPORTS national champions with five consecutive titles, enters the 2024-25 season fully prepared, with high expectations, a drive to defend their title and a target on their back. The Vikes will start their season on the road against the University of Calgary Dinos, with games scheduled for September 7 and 8 at 11:00 a.m. MT.

After a year marked by the retirement of legendary coach Lynne Beecroft and a transition to new leadership under head coach Krista Thompson, the Vikes proved they are still the team to beat. With a solid core of returning players and promising new additions, UVic aims to continue its dominance on the national stage.

One of the key factors that define a championship team is depth, and the women's field hockey program is a prime example of this. With a roster that is as deep and well-rounded as you will find anywhere in the country, the Vikes are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.

Key returners
Leading the charge this season is Libby Hogg, who returns as the reigning U SPORTS MVP and All-Canadian. A defensive powerhouse, Hogg's experience and leadership will be crucial as the Vikes look to replicate their success from last year.

Another athlete to watch is third-year Vike Julia Boraston. A Field Hockey Canada NextGen standout, Boraston is one of the team's most versatile players who can cover the field and play multiple positions. A member of Canada's 2024 Field Hockey Junior Pan Am Cup team, Boraston's experience at the highest level has made her a standout during preseason.

Joining Hogg and Boraston is the 2023 Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, Rebecca Stone. Stone also spent the summer representing Canada at the 2024 Field Hockey Junior Pan Am Cup alongside Boraston and is expected to play a pivotal role in the midfield, providing skill and composure under pressure.

Offensively, the Vikes will once again rely on the scoring prowess of Chloe Langkammer, a dynamic forward known for her goal-scoring ability and relentless attack on the opposition. In their fifth year, veterans Melanie Robertson and Anni Kleinschmidt return to provide leadership and continuity. Their experience and commitment to the program will help set the tone for the team on and off the field.

Off-season additions
Three talented recruits will add depth and new energy to the Vikes: Sadie Lee and Carmen Adrian of Vancouver and Ava Winter from Duncan. According to Thompson, Lee is a highly skilled striker with a nose for the goal and the ability to make her teammates better, while both Adrian and Winter add versatility and strong defensive prowess combined with the ability to read the game. All three players are familiar with the Vikes program and have a history with Thompson, making their integration into the team seamless.
 
Coaches notes
"The goal for the season is incremental improvement, individually and collectively, each and every day. We have a good balance of youth and experience, and I am looking forward to the upcoming season," said Thompson.

"The past is the past. We can take the lessons learned from those past experiences and bring them into this year. The most important lesson is to stay in the present moment. The Canada West conference is very competitive and everyday matters. Nothing in life comes easy, we will show up every day to training and give our best effort."
 
GAME INFORMATION
Vikes vs. University of Calgary 
Saturday, Sept.7 | 11:00am | Calgary

Vikes vs. University of Calgary
Sunday, Sept. 8| 11:00am | Calgary

2024-25 Schedule