VICTORIA - The University of Victoria women's rugby program earned top recognition from Canada West on Oct. 19, with fourth-year fullback Carissa Norsten and head coach Brittany Waters receiving major awards. Six Vikes were also named to the Canada West All-Star team: Norsten, Sierra Gillis, Faith Tilley, Justine Blatt-Janmaat, Maggie Mackinnon, and Ella O'Regan.

Most Valuable Player
A 2024-25 U SPORTS All-Canadian and Olympic silver medalist, Norsten continues to be a cornerstone for the Vikes women's rugby team. She finished the Canada West season with 35 points, pacing the team with seven tries. She remains one of the country's most dependable all-around athletes, consistently making crucial tackles and disrupting the opposition as the last line of defence. With her speed, footwork, strength, and ability to gain ground on every carry, Norsten is one of the Vikes most dynamic and dangerous players—capable of changing a game every time she steps on the field.

"Carissa has had an outstanding season so far showcasing her athleticism, talent and work rate. On top of her incredible performances, Carissa is so deserving of this recognition for the effort and time she has put in behind the scenes to improve her game knowledge and all-around skills. She is a triple threat with her running, passing and kicking game and a role model for her teammates and peers," said Waters.

Coach of the Year
In her 11th season leading the Vikes women's rugby program, Waters has been named the Canada West Coach of the Year for the second time in her career (previously in 2015). Under her leadership, the Vikes have medalled at every Canada West Championship—capturing gold twice (2025 & 2015), earning silver seven times, and bronze once. This season, Waters led the Vikes to a historic 7-0 conference record, the first in program history.

Waters brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished international career as both a player and coach. A multi-time Rugby Canada Hall of Fame inductee, she spent this past summer guiding Canada's U20 women's sevens team to a bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.

"This recognition reflects the consistency, professionalism, and competitive spirit that Brittany brings to our women's rugby program," said Nick Clarke, director of varsity performance sport. "She has built an outstanding team culture, and her ability to get the best out of her players year after year is remarkable. We're incredibly proud of Brittany and her staff for continuing to set the standard for women's rugby in this country."

The Vikes will now prepare for the U SPORTS Women's Rugby National Championship Presented by Rec Room taking place at the University of British Columbia's Thunderbird Stadium Oct. 29-Nov. 2. After back-to-back U SPORTS silver medals, the Vikes are aiming to reach the top of the podium.

2025 CANADA WEST MAJOR  AWARDS :
MVP – Carissa Norsten 
Coach of the Year - Brittany Waters

2025 CANADA WEST ALL-STARS BY POSITION:
Prop - Sierra Gillis 
Lock - Faith Tilley 
9 - Justine Blatt-Janmaat 
Fly Half - Ella O'Regan 
Center - Maggie Mackinnon 
Fullback - Carissa Norsten

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