GUELPH, Ont. – The University of Victoria women's rugby team was well represented on the national stage Thursday evening, as six Vikes student-athletes were named U SPORTS All-Canadians at the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship banquet hosted by the University of Guelph.
Canada West Player of the Year
Maddy Grant, veterans
Emily Findlay and
Olivia Newsome earned First Team All-Canadian honours, while captain
Maggie Mackinnon,
Kendra Cousineau, and
Piper Walsh were recognized as Second Team All-Canadians.
The six selections come on the heels of a second consecutive Canada West championship for the Vikes, who continue to establish themselves among Canada's premier university rugby programs.
Grant earned the second All-Canadian honour of her career after leading the Vikes throughout a dominant 2026 season. The fourth-year back was named Canada West Player of the Year after serving as one of the conference's most dynamic and versatile players. A Belmont Secondary graduate, Grant combines elite athleticism with international experience, having represented Canada at the 2021 Rugby World Cup and spending time with both the senior women's 15s and sevens national team programs. Since arriving at UVic, she has been instrumental in the Vikes' rise to national contender status, helping lead the program to another appearance at the U SPORTS Championship.
Findlay collected her third career U SPORTS All-Canadian selection following another exceptional campaign in the Vikes' forward pack. The fifth-year flanker has been one of the program's most consistent performers throughout UVic's run of three consecutive national silver medals. After losing her first two university seasons to injury, Findlay has authored an impressive comeback story, developing into a perennial starter and one of the country's most reliable forwards.
Newsome earned the first All-Canadian honour of her career with a standout fourth season. One of the Vikes' most dynamic two-way players, Newsome combined explosive attacking play with strong defensive work, finishing tied for the team lead with seven tries. Her speed, physicality, and ability to create game-changing moments played a major role in the team's run to a second consecutive conference title.
Mackinnon once again led the Vikes attack, finishing the season as the team's points and conversion leader. One of the country's top kickers, she ranked ninth nationally in conversions while continuing to provide steady leadership and offensive production.
Walsh was named a U SPORTS All-Canadian for the first time in her career following an outstanding fourth season in the Vikes' forward pack. The second row combined physical defensive play with a significant offensive contribution, finishing tied for the team lead with seven tries.
A transfer from Guelph in her first season with the Vikes, Cousineau quickly established herself in a position that often flies under the radar. With five tries during the regular season, her consistency, work ethic and attention to detail have been instrumental to the team's success.
Emma Grootendorst also picked up the one of the 2026 Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards for community contributions. A fifth-year student-athlete pursuing a double major in political science and environmental studies, has made a significant impact both on and off the field through her leadership, volunteerism, and academic excellence. An Academic All-Canadian, Grootendorst has led numerous community initiatives, including youth coaching, environmental advocacy, food bank volunteering, and founding CareKitsForHer, which has provided more than 100 care packages to women in need throughout her community.
With another collection of national honours already secured, the Vikes now turn their full attention to the race for a U SPORTS championship gold medal. UVic advanced to the national semifinal with a 57-7 quarterfinal victory over Brock University and will face the #3 Laval Rouge in the U SPORTS semifinal on Friday, Nov. 6, with kickoff set for 2:00 p.m. PCT.
