UBC begins title defence as 2026 Canada West favourites

Sept. 2, 2026 – Fresh off an undefeated Canada West championship campaign and with a national championship on home soil on the horizon, the UBC Thunderbirds have been selected as the preseason favourite in the 2026 Canada West Women’s Soccer Coaches Poll.

UBC received every possible first-place vote to finish atop the poll with 210 points, ahead of Trinity Western (186), Calgary (182) and Victoria (159). Mount Royal finished fifth and MacEwan came in sixth, with the Griffins also receiving a first-place vote.

The 2026 Canada West regular season gets underway this weekend with a full slate of games running Friday through Sunday. Fans can stream every game live on Canada West TV - Presented by BioSteel.

The Thunderbirds enter the new season looking to build on a dominant 2025 campaign that saw them achieve a second consecutive perfect 14-0 regular season, en route to a second straight Canada West title.

After advancing to the 2025 U SPORTS championship final before falling to the Montreal Carabins, UBC will have the opportunity to reclaim the national crown in front of a home crowd when the 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship comes to Thunderbird Stadium Nov. 12-15.

“We enter the 2026 season ready to continue to raise the standard of the program. The team is motivated to stay healthy and begin to click as we move towards the end of the year,” said UBC head coach Jesse Symons, whose squad returns 22 players from last season while also adding Canada West All-Stars Bailey Doerksen and Sophia Ferreira, who were unavailable last season.

UBC's biggest challenge in the Pacific Division could once again come from the Trinity Western Spartans, who were runners-up in the coaches poll. The Spartans and T-Birds have been frequent playoff rivals, meeting in the Canada West final in four of the last five seasons.

The Spartans are looking to build on a 2025 season that saw them capture the Canada West silver medal and U SPORTS bronze. TWU returns a strong core featuring Canada West All-Stars Sophie Crowther and Emily Watchman, as well as U SPORTS tournament all-star Rhianna MacDonald.

“The Spartans will have a deeper and more balanced squad than last year,” said head coach Graham Roxburgh. "There is a good hunger about the group to continue improving."

Crowther will be one of the key players to watch after a breakout 2025 campaign in which she recorded six goals and 13 assists.

The Calgary Dinos check in at No. 3 after a 2025 season that saw them top the Prairie Division with an 11-1-2 record. The Dinos came painstakingly short of a Canada West final appearance last year, falling in penalties to Trinity Western in the semifinals. They'll look to break through with a roster that combines veteran experience and emerging young talent.

“The key this season will be getting that mix right in the moments presented,” said Calgary head coach Diogo Raposo.

The Dinos will look to continue their tight defensive structure from a year ago, as the Calgary backline allowed just five goals during the regular season.

Victoria finished fourth in the poll with 159 points, narrowly edging an upstart Mount Royal side by one point. MRU turned heads last year with a run to the semifinals, despite being predicted to finish 10th in last year's coaches poll. They'll be dangerous again with an offence led by 2025 Canada West Player of the Year Tamara Djurisic.

MacEwan earned the final first-place vote and sits sixth with 144 points. Saskatchewan (135), UBCO (124), Thompson Rivers (108) and Alberta (99) round out the top 10.

The Fraser Valley Cascades were picked 11th, followed by Regina (12th), Manitoba (13th), UNBC (14th) and Lethbridge (15th).

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2026 Canada West Women's Soccer Coaches Poll

Team - Points (First-place votes)

UBC Thunderbirds

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: Entering 2026 as back-to-back conference champions, the T-Birds will be hungry to avenge their U SPORTS championship final loss, with the opportunity to reclaim the crown on home soil as hosts of the 2026 national tournament. Returning the bulk of the team's core combined with a talent-laden recruit class, the T-Birds will once again be contenders for another Canada West and U SPORTS banner.

From the Coach: “UBC enters the 2026 season ready to continue to raise the standard of the program. Along with many returning players from last season (22), the team also is injecting Canada West All-Stars Bailey Doerksen and Sophia Ferreira after they were unavailable last season. With hosting the U SPORTS National Championship this fall and being in the last three national finals, the team is motivated to stay healthy and begin to click as we move towards the end of the year. Big keys to success this year will be to have multiple players scoring and have a team that is able to shift and change based on the opposition to allow for the team to stay on the front foot in matches.” - Jesse Symons

Key Performer: Sienna Gibson

Midfielder | 3rd Year | Vancouver, B.C.

Leading the conference champion Thunderbirds in both goals and points in 2025, Gibson was also named Canada West Championship MVP, scoring the game winner over arch-rival Trinity Western. The Vancouver native was also named a U SPORTS All-Canadian and made the U SPORTS National Championship tournament all-star squad for a second straight year, helping lead UBC to the silver medal in Hamilton. One of the most dynamic players in the country, Gibson will be a big part of any success UBC has once again in 2026.

Trinity Western Spartans

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: The Spartans will be looking to make it to the Canada West postseason and improve on last year's CW silver medal and U SPORTS bronze medal. TWU will be led by returning Canada West All-stars Sophie Crowther, Emily Watchman, U SPORTS tournament all-star Rhianna MacDonald and returning goal scoring leader Mansha Sidhu and fifth year keeper Yasmine Pahal.

From the coach: “The key to TWU's success and progress this year will be the return of some key injuries to core players which will add to the depth and overall level, as well as the integration of some very good young rookies. With many of the core returners back and more mature and rested, the Spartans will have a deeper and more balanced squad than last year and there is a good hunger about the group to continue improving and staying hungry." - Graham Roxburgh

Key Performer: Sophie Crowther
​Forward | 5th Year | New Westminster, B.C.

Sophie has turned not only into one of the more dangerous attacking players at the university level across Canada, but also has been an incredible leader in the last year. She is looking to build off an incredible 2025 season in which she scored six goals and added 13 assists.

Calgary Dinos

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: Only penalties stood between the Dinos and a spot in the Canada West Final and a trip to nationals in 2025. Calgary finished the season with the conference’s second-best offensive and defensive records, trailing only UBC in goals scored and goals allowed. Despite the departure of several key players from last year’s squad, the Dinos return a balanced roster featuring a mix of veteran experience and promising young talent. Adding to that group are U SPORTS veterans Cheridan Johnson and Bryn Mortensen, who have transferred to Calgary to play for their hometown team.

From the coach: "The Dinos enter the season with a strong veteran core complemented by exciting young talent, creating a balance of experience and energy. The key this season will be getting that mix right in the moments presented." - Diogo Raposo

Key Performer: Mykena Walker
​Defender | 5th Year | Airdrie, Alta.

A Canada West Prairie Division All-Star in 2025, Mykena Walker was a key part of a Calgary backline that allowed just five goals during the regular season. Entering her final year with the Dinos, Walker could also make an impact at the other end of the pitch. She tied for the Alberta Premier League scoring lead this summer, finding the back of the net nine times.

Victoria Vikes ​

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: The Vikes will look to improve on their five win campaign a season ago. Returning what still is considered a young group, they will rely on their veteran leaders to propel the Vikes to a fast start in Canada West play. Many of the notable offensive stars like Ruby Nicholas, Abby McDonald, and Brianne McLeish return to a front line that should be formidable in league play. The Vikes are optimistic their young group will continue to grow and build towards a banner season in 2026. ​

From the Coach: “The Vikes look to capitalize on their successful spring season. We are looking for our experienced players to lead us into the playoffs!” - Tracy David

Key Performer: Ruby Nicholas
​Forward | 5th Year | Quesnel, B.C.

Ruby Nicholas has the vision and playmaking skills to make everyone around her better. Ruby possesses an elite offensive skillset that will be key in driving the Vikes' success this season. The 2024 Canada West Player of the Year will look to build on a solid campaign last season that saw her score three goals with eight assists.

Mount Royal Cougars

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: The Mount Royal Cougars enter the 2026 season looking to build on a strong 10-3-1 campaign that saw them finish second in the Prairie Division and reach the Canada West Final Four. With three graduates departing, the Cougars return a strong core led by Tamara Djurisic, who paced the team with nine goals, five assists and 14 points last season. MRU will look to maintain its defensive strength after ranking third in Canada West with just 12 goals against, while continuing to improve an offence that ranked sixth with 24 goals. Entering his 17th season at the helm, head coach Tino Fusco will look to guide a deep and experienced group, including lone fifth-year player Zyna Centeno, back to the Canada West postseason and into championship contention.

From the coach: “Heading into the 2026 season, the Mount Royal University Cougars women's soccer team is looking to build on momentum after a strong 10-3-1 regular season campaign and a Canada West Final Four appearance. Returning a solid core alongside some fresh new talent including a new international, MRU aims to build with 2025 CW player of the year, Tamara Djurisic, and All-Star Goalkeeper Ella Filek.” - Tino Fusco

Key Performer: Zyna Centeno
​Midfield | 5th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

Zyna Centeno enters her fifth and final season with the Cougars as the lone fifth-year player on the roster, bringing valuable experience and leadership to a young and developing group. The Saskatoon product will look to make an impact in the midfield while serving as a veteran presence for her teammates throughout the 2026 season.

MacEwan Griffins

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: With the final members of their 2021 U SPORTS national championship team graduated from the program after last season - including all-time leading scorer Grace Mwasalla - the Griffins women's soccer is curating their next wave of talent, but that doesn't mean they won't be a Canada West contender in 2026. Their strong returning core has been bolstered by one of the program's finest recruiting classes it has had - a group of talented rookies who are already showing veteran poise, leading the Griffins to a 7-0 preseason. Expect MacEwan to battle for the top of the Prairie Division and be a factor come playoff time.

From the coach: “We have a young, talented team this year, and we’re excited to see how our rookies contribute while relying on our veterans to provide leadership and experience. We’ll need to stay committed to our game plan, trust our preparation, and continue building chemistry throughout the season. Improving on set pieces was a priority coming out of last year, and we’ve looked good in preseason, so we want to carry that momentum forward. Ultimately, our success will come down to attention to detail, staying disciplined, and consistently doing the little things well.” - Dean Cordeiro

Key Performer: Amelia Russo
​Defender/Midfielder | 5th Year | St. Albert, Alta.

The veteran holding midfielder, who also excels at centre-back, is a general in the middle of MacEwan's defence, consistently snuffing out the opposition's attack. Much of the Griffins' buildup in their own attacking phase goes through Russo as she possesses keen distribution skill and a high soccer IQ. The 2022 Canada West all-rookie team member and 2024 second team all-star is also a weapon to score on set pieces and is primed to lead a young Griffins team into battle in her final university season.

Saskatchewan Huskies

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: Having graduated several key pieces to the program over the last few years, the 2026 Huskies are naturally a younger team, however have already displayed a unique cohesiveness and maturity compared to prior squads. This group features a number of second and third year student-athletes who have quickly seized the opportunity to take on larger roles and, combined with experienced veterans and a skilled rookie class, leave the team in an exciting position headed into the regular season. As the program continues to evolve, the latest campaign offers an exciting opportunity for the team to resume their pursuit of a conference championship.

From the coach: “Our 2026 team is a young, determined and very cohesive group. We are very excited to continue building on the consistent success that we have had and look forward to showcasing our Huskie DNA style of play that looks to control and dominate all phases of the game through our adaptability. We take pride in being unique and playing a brand of football that excites fans and our supporters!” - Jerson Barandica Hamilton

Key Performer: Isabelle Lachance
​Striker | 2nd Year | Calgary, Alta.

Coming off a debut season which saw her earn U SPORTS All-Rookie status with four goals and nine points, Isabelle Lachance is set to lead the Huskie attack in 2026. Combining a unique blend of speed, athleticism, and soccer IQ, the sophomore continues to find confidence in her role on the Huskie frontline this season. In addition to her talent on the pitch, she continues to develop off of it, demonstrating continued growth as a leader and guiding figure within the program.

UBC Okanagan Heat

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: Remaining hungry, the Heat look to ascend the ranks of Canada West in 2026 after appearing in the playoffs for the third year in a row. From Cowtown to the Okanagan, the Calgary-to-Kelowna pipeline remains alive and well as Maria Georgacacos, the Heat's leading goal scorer last season, will be joined by key additions ​ Aileen Ryou and Chelsea Andersen. Craig Smith's squad will bring youthful energy to the pitch, with more than 65% of the roster comprised of first-year and second-year players. The Heat enter the new season after a strong finish to 2025, winning four of their last five regular-season matches.

From the coach: “We’re excited about the group we have this season and are looking to build on the progress we have made over the past few years. Our focus will be on consistency, competing for one another, and continuing to develop our identity on both sides of the ball. If we can bring those qualities every week, we believe we can be competitive in a very strong Canada West conference." - Craig Smith

Key Performer: Maria Georgacacos
​Midfield | 2nd Year | Calgary, Alta.

Georgacacos returns in 2026 after a strong rookie campaign, scoring four goals and adding two assists. The Calgary, Alta., native started eight of 16 matches last season and will look to lead UBCO's potent offensive attack.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: After missing out on the CW postseason by the slimmest of margins last year, the WolfPack will be looking for a return to the playoffs in a year that will see them graduate a number of longtime standouts. Setting a new program-best mark with three players earning CW All-Star nods in Esi Lufo (1st Team), Sara Kuusimaki (All-Rookie) and Floor Ursem (All-Rookie) the WolfPack will look to find a balance between veteran experience and contributions from throughout the lineup.

From the coach: “With 15 players in years one and two, we are a very young but exciting team. A playoff berth is in our reach and will be our aim this season. With last season’s conference top scorer and three players on all-star teams, we will be looking to build on that." - Mark Pennington

Key Performer: Esi Lufo
​Forward | 4th Year | Tirane, ALB

Forward Esi Lufo had the most prolific season in program history last year.

Starting all 14 games for the WolfPack, the clinical striker finished tied for the conference lead - and fifth in the nation - with nine goals.

On her way to being named a Canada West All-Star and the first-ever U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian in program history, Lufo finished the season as the program's new record holder in: career goals (12), season goals (9), career points (21) and season points (11).

Alberta Pandas

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: Interim Head Coach Bruno Zebie takes over a Pandas team that is seeing plenty of changeover. With 10 new players and 14 not returning, Zebie looks to rebuild the culture and return Pandas Soccer back to the playoffs.

From the Coach: “We are looking forward to competing in one of the toughest conferences in U SPORTS. We’ve put in a great shift this pre-season, implementing new ideas and principles. We will be ready to compete." - Bruno Zebie

Key Performer: Makenna Van der Veen
​Midfield | 5th Year | Stony Plain, Alta.

Van der Veen returns for her fifth and final year of eligibility as a Panda. Her veteran presence and goal scoring ability will be a key factor for a Panda team with a new interim coach and plenty of fresh faces.

Fraser Valley Cascades

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: A young UFV squad returns with one more year of experience with the intent on improving on their 2025 record. The Cascades managed to pick up three wins last season despite scoring just five goals, a testament to how well organized and structured the team remained defensively all year. With the core of the squad returning for 2026, UFV has the potential to catch teams by surprise and compete for a playoff spot this season.

From the Coach: “With the core of last year’s team returning, the team continues to mature, grow and compete against top teams. Incoming freshmen add depth to the lineup to strengthen the lineup." - Ari Adams

Key Performer: Kiana Langston
​Striker | 4th Year | North Vancouver, B.C.

Kiana Langston returns for another season as UFV's most prominent figure in the attack. With her speed, strength, and goal scoring ability, she will look to improve on her scoring tally from last season and help a Cascades squad that struggled for goals in 2025.

Regina Cougars

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: The Cougars will trot out an extremely young squad in 2026 after a huge class graduated from the program following last season. The team's most experienced returners are a pair of second-year players including Canada West All-Rookie Team defender Hadiza Kasim and goalkeeper Peyton Magnuson. Kasim started 11 matches and played 938 minutes last year, while Magnuson played every minute of the conference schedule between the woodwork for the Cougars and registered three shutouts in her first U SPORTS season. Among the other players stepping up could be forward Jenna Muir, who appeared in eight Canada West matches last year and scored six goals in a single half last weekend in one of the team's two exhibition wins over Brandon.

From the coach: “The UofR roster is full of exciting new faces who are ready to impact and get results. We want to be known as the hardest working team in Canada West and the players have all come into preseason healthy, fit and with an excellent mindset to achieve that. They have quickly become a tight knit group that care about each other on-and-off the field. It will be a fun opportunity to see players stepping up in big roles for our young roster and put a strong and competitive brand of soccer on display." - Astrid Baecker

Key Performer: Hadiza Kasim
​Defender | 2nd Year | Yorkton, Sask.

A member of Canada West's All-Rookie Team last year, Kasim followed up her stellar first-year performance by being named the Defensive Player of the Year for Queen City United in the Prairie Premier League this summer. Kasim is one of the U of R's captains this season and the coaching staff expects her to take another giant leap forward this year in her second campaign with the Cougars.

Manitoba Bisons

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: Manitoba's senior core of nine players will help lead the charge this season, combined with an influx of new and emerging talent on both ends of the pitch. Of the 11 players who scored a goal last year, eight return.

From the Coach: "The Bisons finished the 2025 season with three wins and a tie in their last four games. With some impact additions and a roster that includes 13 players in their 3rd, 4th or 5th years, the Bisons look to keep the momentum rolling and get back into the playoffs in 2026." - Fabio Capone

Key Performer: Mia Fonseca
​Midfield | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Last year's Team MVP, senior midfielder Mia Fonseca will help anchor a Bisons unit that looks to smother the opposition with their press, and create opportunities in transition. Defensively, Fonseca led the team in takeaways last season, leading by example as one of the most tenacious defenders in Canada West. Offensively, she recorded a career-high two goals a season ago and looks to build off of that in 2026.

UNBC Timberwolves

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Team Overview: The UNBC Timberwolves have made a big recruiting splash in 2026 by adding 13 new faces to the mix. Neil Sedgwick's crafty recruiting, along with a solid returning corps of second and third-year student athletes should make for an intriguing season for the Green and Gold. Veterans Kambria Melllum, Kate Rattee and Fia Cameron will be the tone setters on and off the pitch for UNBC, and they'll be well supported by a hungry, scrappy, talented group of younger players who are excited to get this program back to a consistent winner.

Key Performer: Johanna Rathke
​Goalkeeper | 2nd Year | Göttingen, GER

Johanna Rathke's impact on the UNBC Timberwolves was immeasurable in Year 1. The German goalkeeper set a new single season conference record with 161 saves, and recorded double-digit saves in eight of her 14 appearances in 2025. For her efforts she was named Team MVP, and UNBC's Female Athlete of the Year.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #15

Team Overview: The Pronghorns enter the season focused on growth and taking the next step in Canada West. With head coach Cedric Bovon entering his second year, the program continues to build identity, culture and competitive edge. There is a strong sense of energy and optimism around the group heading into the season. The Pronghorns are looking to build on last year’s experience and make meaningful strides this season.

From the coach: “In our second season with the group, our returning players have a better understanding of the vision, game model and demands of the league. Our keys to success at Lethbridge this year will be to generate more offence and being clinical in transition on both sides of the ball. With a consistent core returning, and some new talent infused into the group, we are keen to make a statement of improvement from last year." - Cedric Bovon

Key Performer: Chiara Duenser
​Midfield | 3rd Year | Dornbirn, AUT

Team Overview: Interim Head Coach Bruno Zebie takes over a Pandas team that is seeing plenty of changeover. With 10 new players and 14 not returning, Zebie looks to rebuild the culture and return Pandas Soccer back to the playoffs.