VICTORIA - The University of Victoria women's soccer team opens the Canada West season on Friday, August 22 at 5:00 p.m., hosting the Trinity Western Spartans at Centennial Stadium.
Entering her 24th season at the helm, head coach
Tracy David leads a Vikes squad fresh off one of its best campaigns in recent years. In 2024-25, the women's soccer team finished 9-5-5, capturing the Canada West silver medal—their first conference medal since 2017. That run earned them a berth at the U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship for the first time since 2019. Competing at nationals gave the Vikes a taste of the country's best, which is an experience they'll carry forward into the fall.Â
The Vikes rank fourth in the conference coaches poll and are off to a good start in preseason play with a  2-1 record against U SPORTS competition, taking wins over McGill and Memorial.
While still a young group, they are one with clear momentum. The roster features a core of emerging talent now seasoned by a playoff run and cross-country travel. With a better sense of the demands at the national level, the Vikes enter 2025-26 more prepared, more confident, and hungry to prove last year's success wasn't an accident.
Key returners:
Ruby Nichlos – Forward
Entering her fourth year, Quesnel's
Ruby Nicholas has cemented herself as one of the premier players in Canada West. The reigning Canada West Player of the Year, First Team All-Star, and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian was central to UVic's silver medal run. Nicholas started all 19 games in 2024-25, leading the Vikes in goals (8), assists (7), and points (15). She ranked top-five in Canada West for both goals and points, while firing 58 shots—second-most in the conference. Her three game-winners underscored her knack for delivering in key moments.
Taya Scorey – Midfielder
A Royal Bay Secondary graduate and Queen's University transfer, Scorey is set for her fourth season with UVic. A steady presence in the midfield, she started 16 of 18 matches in 2024-25, contributing three goals and two assists. Her most clutch moment came in the Canada West semifinal, when her game-winning strike against Calgary sent the Vikes to their first conference final since 2017. With speed, composure, and playoff experience, Scorey remains a vital piece in the Vikes midfield engine.
Sophie Murphy – Forward
A fourth year from Squamish, B.C., Murphy is a proven difference-maker up front for the Vikes. She started 18 of 19 matches last season, scoring four goals and adding two assists—second-most goals on the team. Known for her speed and relentless work rate, Murphy delivered in key moments with a game-winner at UNBC and a late equalizer against Trinity Western. Despite standing 5'3", she plays with tenacity, ranking second on the squad in shots (25) and consistently pressuring opposing back lines. Already finding the net in preseason, Murphy looks ready to take on an even bigger role this fall.
Key additions:
Alex Paul – Midfielder
A fourth-year transfer from Langara College, Paul joined the Vikes in January and immediately made her mark during the spring season. The North Vancouver product brings pace and creativity to the midfield, building on a decorated career with the Langara Falcons, where she was named Female Athlete of the Year, Female Freshman of the Year, and a two-time PacWest All-Star. Paul has also competed in League1 BC with Nanaimo United FC.
Folawe Balogun – Forward
Balogun arrives from the Saskatchewan Excel program as one of the country's most promising young strikers. The 2024 Saskatchewan Youth Player of the Year and 2021 Provincial League Golden Boot winner adds athleticism and scoring ability to the Vikes attack.
Scarlett McNeely – Winger
From White Rock, B.C., McNeely joins UVic after competing in League1 BC with Unity FC (2024-25) and Burnaby FC (2023-24). A product of the Coastal FC program, she offers pace and width on the flanks and is expected to bolster the Vikes wing play.
The Vikes are back on the field Saturday, August 23, at 3:30 p.m. against the University of the Fraser Valley.
Marquee games
Varsity home opener: August 22 vs Trinity Western
Thunderfest: September 5 vs UNBC
Jersey Night: September 26 vs UBCO
Senior's Night: October 11 vs UBC
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