VICTORIA –The University of Victoria women's rugby team opens the 2025-26 season on the road against Canada West rivals UBC on Saturday, August 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre.

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Head coach Brittany Waters returns for her 11th season on the heels of a summer spent coaching Canada's U20 women's sevens squad to a bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay. Under her leadership, the Vikes have reached the Canada West podium every year, winning gold in 2015, collecting silver seven times, and earning bronze once.

The Vikes finished 4-1 in conference play last season, highlighted by their first victory over UBC since 2019. They went on to take silver at the Canada West Final Four, securing a spot at nationals. At the U SPORTS Championship, the Vikes defeated Laval and Queen's to reach the final for a second straight year before falling to UBC 8-3. The result gave the Vikes back-to-back national silver medals and set the stage for another push this fall.

"We are looking forward to another season, having many returning athletes and a strong recruitment class" said Waters. "We are excited to play a fast and dynamic style of play with our signature dominant defence and continue driving our positive team culture forward."

Key returners:

Carissa Norsten
Walheim, Saskatchewan's Carissa Norsten, enters her fourth year with the Vikes after a standout season that saw her balance university and international rugby. In 2024-25, she was named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star, though national team duty kept her out of the U SPORTS Championship. On the world stage, she captured an Olympic silver medal with Canada's sevens in Paris 2024 and made her 15s debut for Canada in July against South Africa. Known for her explosive speed, Norsten can break open a match with long attacking runs and is just as dangerous defensively, tracking down opponents with relentless pace.

Sierra Gillis
Belmont Secondary graduate Sierra Gillis enters her third year with the Vikes after appearing in all 10 matches last season. She made nine starts, including every Canada West playoff and U SPORTS Championship game, and has become a key component of the Vikes front row. Known for her strength and fearless play, Gillis brings leadership and a dominant mindset in scrums and open field play.

Maggie Mackinnon
Sooke, B.C.'s Maggie Mackinnon returns to the field and enters her third year of eligibility after overcoming two season-ending ACL injuries earlier in her career. She delivered a breakout campaign in 2023-24, starting all 10 matches and earning U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star honours and was named UVic's Female Athlete of the Year. In past seasons, Mackinnon served as the Vikes primary drop kicker, goal kicker, and out-of-hand kicker, demonstrating one of the most consistent kicking games in U SPORTS and making her a reliable scoring threat for the Vikes.

UVic has one of the deepest rosters in the country, which is what makes them a continued podium threat year after year. Seasoned veterans Justine Blatt-Janmaat, Faith Tilley, Larah Wright and U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian Emily Findlay are all back to help the Vikes make a push for the country's top spot. An anchor of the Vikes defense, Findlay is usually the first to a breakdown and often seen making big tackles on defence.

Key additions:

ShonDreya Smardon
First-year Vike ShonDreya Smardon arrives from Ottawa with an impressive athletic background and plenty of promise. An RBC Training Ground finalist and funding recipient, she has already represented Canada at the U18 level and developed her game with Barrhaven Scottish RFC. Smardon's athleticism, work rate, and determination make her a highly anticipated addition to the roster as she begins her university rugby career.

Kira Smed
Calgary's Kira Smed joins the Vikes as a first-year prop with experience at both the provincial and national U18 levels. Known for her strength and rugby IQ, she has already proven she can handle the jump to senior women's competition. This past season she started for the Calgary Mavericks, where her determination, powerful ball-carrying, and dependable play made her one of the team's hardest line runners. Smed's work ethic and adaptability make her an exciting addition to the Vikes forward pack.

Samara Sadden
Edmonton's Samara Sadden joins the Vikes as a first-year back row with experience at both the provincial and Canada U18 levels. She brings a blend of power and skill to the pack, along with the character and resilience that set her apart. With her background and determination, Sadden is poised to make an immediate impact and grow into a key player for UVic.

The Vikes open their home season September 6 at 1:00 p.m. on Wallace Field against the Calgary Dinos for the annual Jenny Vincent Memorial Game.

Marquee games
Varsity home opener & Jenny Vincent Memorial Game: Sept. 6 vs Calgary
Senior's game: Oct. 4th vs UBC