VICTORIA - The University of Victoria women's soccer team opens its 2026 campaign at the back-to-school kickoff event, ThunderFest, on Sept. 11, facing Thompson Rivers University in the primetime match up at 7:15 p.m. at Centennial Stadium.
Canada Soccer Hall of Famer
Tracy David enters her 25th season as head coach after guiding the Vikes to a 5-5-4 record and a fourth-place finish in the Canada West Pacific Division in 2025. UVic advanced to the Canada West playoffs before falling to Calgary in the quarterfinal round.
The Vikes return a youthful but increasingly experienced roster featuring 12 second-year players and 10 fourth-year athletes, balancing emerging talent with veteran leadership.
A strong local presence remains a defining feature of the program, with players from across Vancouver Island expected to play prominent roles throughout the season. Among them are Royal Bay graduates
Brooklyn Erb and
Nyah Cruickshank, Oak Bay's
Davin Fisher, Spectrum's
Charli Packford, Reynolds graduate
Abby McDonald, Courtenay natives
Ella Ashfield and
Raina Hagel, and Stelly's graduates Malia and
Leila Phelan,
Isabel Humphries and
Adrianna Hilton. The roster also includes Nanaimo's
Alex Paul, St. Michael's University's
Brianne McLeish and
Sophie Olcen, and Salt Spring Island's
Kadence O'Dwyer.
Offensively, the Vikes return one of Canada West's most dangerous attacking groups. Fifth-year forward
Ruby Nicholas, fourth-year striker Breanne McLeish and fourth-year midfielder
Abby McDonald combined for 19 goals last season and will once again be relied upon to drive the attack.
UVic was picked fourth in the Canada West coaches poll and is hoping to translate a successful spring season into a strong start this fall.
From the coach
"We're looking to capitalize on a successful spring season and for our experienced players to lead us into the playoffs!" – Tracy David, head coach
Key returners
Ruby Nicholas | Forward | Fifth Year
One of the most dynamic attacking players in Canada West, Nicholas returns for her final season after establishing herself as the focal point of the Vikes offence. The Quesnel, B.C., product earned Canada West Player of the Year honours in 2024 and remains a player opposing defences must account for every time she steps on the field. Her leadership and offensive production will be critical to UVic's success in 2026.
Brianne McLeish | Forward | Fourth Year
A product of St. Michaels University School, McLeish emerged as the Vikes' offensive leader in 2025, finishing with nine goals, four assists, and 24 points. One of the most physically imposing forwards in the conference, she pairs strength and technical ability with the speed and work rate.
Abby McDonald | Midfielder | Fourth Year
McDonald has steadily developed into one of the Vikes most effective attacking players. The Vancouver Island Wave product uses her pace, ball control, and ability to create space to challenge defenders in the final third. After recording seven goals and 14 points last season, she gives the Vikes a dangerous scoring option from midfield.
Additions to watch
Mackenzie Lalonde | Forward | Second Year
A transfer from Thompson Rivers University, Lalonde brings valuable Canada West experience to the Vikes attack. Originally developed through the Atlético Ottawa Juniors program, the winger adds pace, athleticism, and versatility to UVic's front line.
Leila Phelan | Midfielder | First Year
From down the street in Saanichton, Phelan joins the Vikes after developing with Gorge FC and will reunite with her older sister Malia on the roster. Phelan arrives as a versatile midfielder who can impact the game in a variety of roles.
