VICTORIA - The University of Victoria women's field hockey team opens its 2026 Canada West season on the road in Calgary on Sept. 12 and 13. Once again, the Vikes enter the year as the team to beat, carrying a seven-year Canada West championship streak into the season while looking to return to the top of the national podium after earning U SPORTS silver last year.

Head coach Krista Thompson enters her fourth season leading the program after capturing a Canada West title in each of her first three years. Before taking over as head coach, Thompson spent 26 seasons as an assistant coach with the Vikes, helping guide the program to eight national championships and nine conference titles.

The Vikes continued their conference dominance in 2025, claiming a record-setting 26th Donna Hunt Memorial Trophy and extending their Canada West championship streak to seven consecutive seasons. Their title run included a dramatic comeback draw against UBC to secure the conference crown before advancing to the U SPORTS Championship, where they captured silver and earned the program's third consecutive national medal.

While UVic remains among the favourites in Canada West, the roster enters a period of transition following the graduation of several key contributors, including Canada West and U SPORTS Player of the Year Libby Hogg. Despite those departures, the
Vikes return a talented veteran core and a promising group of young players who are expected to take on larger roles.

In Canada West play, each team will face one another four times, twice at home and twice on the road, across an eight-game schedule. With no conference postseason tournament, every match carries added significance as the regular-season champion will earn both the Donna Hunt Memorial Trophy and Canada West's berth to the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS National Championship.

From the coach

"We are excited about the upcoming season and the opportunities that lie ahead. Our team is a blend of youth and experience, and we are eager to continue growing and improving together throughout the season. The Canada West conference is extremely competitive, with every weekend presenting new challenges, and we look forward to testing ourselves against the other two teams." – Krista Thompson, head coach
 
Key returners

Julia Boraston | Midfielder | Fifth Year
One of the Vikes most experienced players, Boraston brings leadership, composure, and international-level experience to the midfield. A skilled two-way player, she can influence play at both ends of the field and will be counted on to help guide a younger roster. Her experience with Canada's senior national team provides valuable perspective and leadership within the group.

Katie Bentley | Midfielder | Fifth Year
Bentley has long been one of the program's most reliable performers. A tireless worker with an excellent understanding of the game, she consistently impacts matches through her positioning, decision-making, and possession control. As one of the team's veteran leaders, she sets the tone through her work ethic and consistency.

Maeve Connorton | Midfielder | Fifth Year
A U SPORTS All-Canadian in 2025 and four-time Canada West All-Star, Connorton remains one of the most dynamic players in university field hockey. Her vision, technical skill, and ability to read the game allow her to impact every area of the field. Whether driving the attack, creating scoring opportunities, or helping defensively, Connorton is a player who can change a match in an instant.

Additions to watch

Lydia Harrington | Defender | First Year
The North Vancouver product arrives from Seycove Secondary and is expected to step directly into a key role in the Vikes defensive unit. Slated to play centre back, Harrington possesses a mature understanding of the game, strong tackling ability, and a fearless approach. Her poise and defensive instincts should allow her to make an immediate impact at the university level.

Camryn Jensen | Forward | First Year
Jensen joins the Vikes from Handsworth Secondary as one of the program's most exciting young attacking prospects. A skilled and athletic forward, she combines quickness, creativity, and goal-scoring instincts in the attacking circle. The North Vancouver native has the potential to add another dimension to Victoria's offence and could quickly establish herself as a player to watch in Canada West.