VICTORIA— Soccer took center stage at this year's 18th annual Vikes Championship Breakfast (VCB), with the community coming together to raise $819,012 for varsity student-athlete scholarships.

The event celebrated the University of Victoria's rich soccer tradition ahead of next year's 2026 U SPORTS Men's Soccer Championship, featuring a distinguished panel of guests moderated by Global News Morning anchor and UVic men's soccer alumnus, Jason Pires.

Pires guided a conversation with women's soccer alumna Jaclyn Sawicki, Hall of Famer and head coach Tracy David, men's soccer alumnus and long-time program supporter Moreno Stefani, and current Vikes captain Fin Tugwell, inviting them to share their perspectives on university sport, the power of community support, and the lifelong impact of athletics. From Sawicki's journey to Canada's new Northern Super League to Tugwell's professional experience with Pacific FC, the morning was filled with pride and nostalgia as alumni, donors, and current student-athletes reflected on the role that varsity athletics has played in shaping lives on and off the field.

"I never imagined that I'd still be playing at this level at this point in my career, and when this league [NWSL] finally launched in Canada, I always envisioned that I would be in the stands—so to still be on the green, I'm very grateful for that. Hopefully, this league provides the platform and changes the mindset of our development players and our university players that there is something to reach and strive for," said Sawicki, when asked about getting the opportunity to play professionally in Canada's new women's pro league.

Since 2013, the university has been a key contributor to the breakfast. This year, their additional pledge of $250,000 towards student-athlete scholarships, included in the total, underscores their unwavering commitment to supporting athletics and recreation. This renewed investment ensures that future student-athletes can continue to excel academically and athletically without financial barriers.

Contributions from all sources to the VCB now exceed 10 million dollars.

The event wrapped up with UVic's Director of Varsity Performance Sport, Nick Clarke, announcing the 2026 UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Marking 60 years of rowing excellence, the university will induct three rowing legends into the UVic Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2026: Howard Campbell (Coach), Doug White (Builder/Coach), and the 1985–86 men's 8+ crew (Team), one of the most dominant university teams in Canadian rowing history.

VCB THANK YOU VIDEO

 WATCH THE VIKES CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKFAST

PREVIOUS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
2024: Carissa Norsten (Women's Rugby) Brittany Waters (Women's Rugby)  Mike Holmes (Men's Rugby)
2023: Adam Donaldson (Men's Rowing)
2022: Kathleen Leahy (Women's Field Hockey)
2021: Nathan Hirayama (Men's Rugby Alumni)
2020: Debbie Yeboah (Women's Basketball Alumni)
2019: Chris Hindmarch-Watson (Swimming), Joann Malhotra (nee Nash - women's soccer) and Lindsey Bergen (nee Jennerich - Rowing)
2018: Gareth Rees (Men's Rugby)
2017: Ian Hyde-Lay (Men's Basketball)
2016: Nancy Mollenhauer (Women's Field Hockey)
2015: Simon Whitfield (Olympic Triathlete)
2014: Darcy Marquardt (Women's Rowing)
2013: Dr. Paul E. Zehr (UVic Professor and author)
2012: Pierre Lafontaine (Former Swimming Canada CEO)
2011: Adam Kreek (Men's Rowing Alumni)
2010: Stephanie Dixon (Women's Swimming Alumna)
2009: Bob Lenarduzzi (President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
2008: Chris Hebb (Men's Basketball Alumni)
 
BREAKFAST FUNDS RAISED
2024: $821,727
2023: $746,823
2022: $807,256
2021: $707,590
2020: $630,000
2019: $550,000
2018: $604,000
2017: $595,050
2016: $503,909
2015: $466,756
2014: $482,640
2013: $492,086
2012: $426,606
2011: $424,685
2010: $377,405
2009: $338,196
2008: $330,961