WSOC: 2025 Season Preview

Aug. 21, 2025 – After putting together one of the most dominant campaigns in U SPORTS history, it comes as no surprise the UBC Thunderbirds have soared to the top of the 2025 Canada West coaches poll.

The results of the annual poll were unveiled Thursday morning, just ahead of the regular season opening kickoff on Friday night. The reigning champs earned a unanimous 14 first-place votes, followed by Calgary, Trinity Western, Victoria and MacEwan rounding out the top five.

Topping last year’s perfect season won’t be easy—but Jesse Symons’ T-Birds aren’t backing down from the challenge. UBC went undefeated across 20 games last fall, capturing the Canada West championship and securing their second straight U SPORTS national title.

Backed by a core group of returners and another strong incoming class, Symons believes his team is ready to chase another title.

"The team has many veteran players returning that have played in big matches and are focused on staying consistent throughout the upcoming season," says Symons. "The team will look to create a lot through our midfield and be very strong defensively with a core of returning starters."

Which teams are poised to challenge UBC’s dominance?

Start with the Calgary Dinos, the defending Prairie Division leaders who finished second in the coaches poll. The Dinos roared to an 11-2-1 record last year, filling the net with a conference best 54 goals.

The Pacific Division promises to be ultra competitive again. The Trinity Western Spartans are fresh off another nationals appearance and a CW bronze medal. Out on the island, the Victoria Vikes are looking to build on last year’s run to the Canada West final. They'll be led by 2024 Canada West Player of the Year Ruby Nicholas, who’s back for her fourth season.

Out on the prairies, both Manitoba and Lethbridge enter the new season with new voices at the helm. Mark Colvin enters his first year at the helm of the Bisons, while Cedric Bovon has taken over the reins for the Pronghorns.

The Canada West regular season kicks off this Friday night with three Pacific Division matchups:

All teams will be in action the following weekend. The regular season runs through Oct. 19, with playoffs slated to begin Oct. 24. This year's final four will be hosted by the top Pacific Division seed, beginning Oct. 31. ​

Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV - Presented by BioSteel ​ - now featuring mobile apps on Apple and Android, as well as Connected TV apps including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku.

For the complete Canada West women’s soccer schedule, click here.

To view CW women's soccer history and records, click here.

2025 CW WSOC PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

UBC Thunderbirds

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: 2024 saw the Thunderbirds repeat as U SPORTS Champions, completing the first perfect 20-0 season in Canada West history. Despite losing several key pieces to graduation, the T-Birds have added plenty of domestic and international talent to their recruiting class and will once again look to be one of the teams to beat both in the Canada West and the country as a whole.

From the Coach: “The team has many veteran players returning that have played in big matches and really are focused on staying consistent throughout the upcoming season. The team will look to create a lot through our midfield and be very strong defensively with a core of returning starters. Keys to success will be to get players into good scoring positions by building team chemistry and a personality to want to get to goal. The team will keep to our identity with being organized and ready to win the ball back quickly if we lose it.” - Jesse Symons

Key Performer: Dakota Beckett

Goalkeeper | 4th Year | Langley, B.C.

A first team Canada West All-Star in her last two seasons, Beckett led the conference with 12 wins and seven clean sheets while conceding just four goals against all season. Playing every minute of UBC's U SPORTS Championship postseason run, the Langley, B.C. product produced six consecutive clean sheets, not allowing a single goal against in her final seven games dating back to the regular season.

Calgary Dinos

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: The Dinos racked up an 11-2-1 record in the regular season a year ago to top the Prairie Division, but a pair of postseason losses in the Final Four have the Dinos hungry for more heading into the 2025 campaign. Fourth-year head coach Diogo Raposo has an experienced squad returning with all but two primary starters returning, and will look to once again add key contributions from a host of newcomers.

From the coach: "The Dinos are determined to defend their Prairie Division title featuring a well-balanced roster that blends the experience and leadership of a proven veteran core with the energy, skill, and potential of emerging young talent.“ – Diogo Raposo

Key Performer: Grace Moore
​Forward | 4th Year | Calgary, Alta.

Grace Moore got off to a hot start a season ago with four goals and two assists in her first two games and never looked back. The local product finished the year with 12 goals in 14 conference games - good for second most in Canada West. Now entering her fourth year with the Dinos, Moore figures to once again be a key piece of Calgary's dynamic attack.

Trinity Western Spartans

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: With a great blend of returning core pieces and very talented rookies, the Spartans are excited about the new year. Entering his 27th year at the helm, head coach Graham Roxburgh has great depth off the bench that will give more attacking options, in addition to an exciting group of talented rookie defenders. Last year the team was hit by some pretty harsh injuries, so if they can stay healthy the Spartans should have an opportunity to be better than last year.

From the coach: “The team will be a blend of returning experienced core players and a good group of talented and dedicated rookies. The return of some key veterans who were injured for all of last season will be a welcomed addition. Keys to success will be to get the team chemistry and cohesion developed quickly with the influx of new players, staying healthy and fit to add to some consistency, and players stepping up to fulfill roles vacated by outgoing impact players who graduated.” - Graham Roxburgh ​ ​ 

Key Performer: Sophie Crowther
​Forward | 4th Year | New Westminster, B.C.

Sophie's ability to take players on and her offensive creativity will be a valuable piece for the Spartan offence. Despite battling through injury last season, Crowther still scored three goals and tallied an assist in eight games.

Victoria Vikes ​

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: After taking a big stride last season with a Canada West silver medal showing, the Vikes look to continue to build in 2025. The core of the Vikes program resides in their third and fourth year student-athletes that have been working together for the past few seasons to find their chemistry on the field. Included in that mix is fourth year standout Ruby Nicholas, who scored eight goals and six assists last season en route to being named the 2024 Canada West Player of the Year and a U SPORTS All-Canadian.

From the Coach: “We are hoping to capitalize on the success that we had last season and keep striving to get better.” - Tracy David

Key Performer: Ruby Nicholas
​Forward | 4th Year | Quesnel, B.C.

The 2024 Canada West Player of the Year and U SPORTS All-Canadian, Ruby Nicholas returns for her fourth season with the Vikes in 2025. Nicholas led the Vikes in goals (8), assists (6), and points (14) en route to helping the Vikes make their first Canada West final match appearance since 2017. Nicholas will look to anchor a Vikes squad that returns eight starters from the 2024 campaign. ​

MacEwan Griffins

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: Since winning the 2021 U SPORTS national championship, the Griffins have remained one of the elite teams in Canada West, last season putting up 33 points - the most the program has had since joining the conference in 2014. Unfortunately, they've been upset in the opening round of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Getting back to the Final Four - where they've been five times - and returning to the national stage are chief among their expectations for 2025.

From the coach: “The MacEwan Griffins are locked in and ready to make a statement. Led by a powerhouse list of fifth-years - Grace Mwasalla, Anneke Odinga, Alyx Henderson, and the returning Raeghan McCarthy. Add in a wave of explosive new recruits bringing speed and intensity, plus a returning core ready to step into bigger roles. With depth, swagger, and a mix of veteran presence and rising talent, the Griffs are coming in hot.” - Dean Cordeiro

Key Performer: Anneke Odinga
​Defender | 5th Year | St. Albert, Alta.

Among the fastest players in Canada West, Odinga's ability to run the sideline and get into an attacking position led the Griffins' dynamic offence to notch 41 goals in 14 regular season games last year.

Defensively, she can stay step for step with any wide-area player in the conference, part of an elite two-way game that has seen her selected for the Canada West first all-star team three years in a row - the most by any Griffins student-athlete.

Odinga returns for her second year as Team Captain in 2025.

Saskatchewan Huskies

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: Heading into the 2025 season, the Huskies boast a mature and selfless group of fifth-year veterans complimented by a talented and energetic class of rookies. This blend of experience and desire to learn and be mentored has created an exciting dynamic within the team. The veterans are driven to leave their mark on the program and cement their legacy while the rookies are prepared to absorb and learn as they get ready to take the torch.

From the coach: “We have a great blend of mature and experienced veterans alongside an exciting and very talented incoming group. We will be a team that tries to control and dominate all phases of the game through our adaptability and flexibility. We take pride in being unique and playing a brand of football that excites and prepares players not only to have success at this level but progress to the next stage of their careers.” - Jerson Barandica-Hamilton

Key Performer: Alyssa D'Agnone
​Striker | 5th Year | Lethbridge, Alta.

The Huskies' captain and a veteran leader, Alyssa D'Agnone had a strong year in 2024 with regards to production and will look to build upon that in 2025 as she continues to climb the program's record books. With a focus on meaningful games, she is striving to make the most out of her chances in her final season.

UBC Okanagan Heat

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: After making back-to-back appearances in the Canada West quarter-finals, the Heat will be looking to take the next step forward in 2025. The Heat possess a veteran core that is highlighted by UBCO all-time leading scorer Abigail Taneda, who has 21 points over her last 3 seasons, while fellow fifth year Sydney Kolodziej is coming off her best season in a Heat uniform with four points. One of the top defensive teams in the conference a year ago, look for goalkeeper Talia Gagnon to play a key role in any success the team as she has 14 wins and five clean sheets over the last two years.

From the coach: “Young team mixed with strong senior players. Create and convert scoring chances. Exciting brand of attacking football.” - Craig Smith

Key Performer: Annika Gross
​Midfield | 5th Year | Kelowna, B.C.

Entering her final season with the Heat, Gross has established herself as one of the top midfielders in the conference. A two-time Canada West all-star, she led the Heat in scoring last year as a defensive midfielder, finding the back of the net three times. Her impact on the game is felt all over the pitch and head coach Craig Smith will be leaning on her leadership to help the Heat return to the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Alberta Pandas

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: The team boasts a strong core group that has developed together over the years and is ready to lead both on and off the field. The incoming players have stepped into the program prepared to contribute early and potentially take on bigger roles. Expectations are high for this to be a highly competitive group within Canada West this year.

Key Performer: Makenna Van der Veen
​Midfield | 4th Year | Stony Plain, Alta.

Van der Veen provides strong leadership on and off the field, holding herself and her teammates to high standards in all areas. On the field, she combines a relentless work rate and grit with creativity and intensity in attack.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: With some major mainstays of the program graduating at the end of last season, the WolfPack have brought in ten new players - including some experienced European additions - as they aim to make it back to the Canada West postseason in the super-competitive Pacific Division.

From the coach: “With 10 rookies, the TRU WolfPack will be a young squad.” - Mark Pennington

Key Performer: Esi Lufo
​Forward | 3rd Year | Tirane, ALB

A talented forward from Albania, Lufo has proven she has the ability to both assist and score goals during her first two seasons with the 'Pack. With three goals and seven assists to her name for TRU, she will be counted on to lead the way offensively this season as her team reloads with ten new faces on the roster. An ultra-versatile attacker, Lufo has the ability to finish from set pieces, create her own opportunities on the ground or find open teammates with pinpoint passing.

Mount Royal Cougars

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: After missing the playoffs the past two seasons, the Cougars women’s soccer team is determined to make a return this year. An influx of young talent has added strength and speed to the roster, while last season’s experience has given one of Canada West’s youngest squads a taste of U SPORTS competition—and left them hungry for more. A move back to the Prairie Division should also work in the Cougars’ favor as they pursue their first Canada West championship.

From the coach: “We've learned from the past two seasons in the Pacific [Division] and we are excited about bringing that competitive spirit back to the Prairie Division. We have a young core that was competitive last season and we're eager to expand on that this season.” - Tino Fusco

Key Performer: Isabella Chirico
​Defence | 5th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

Isabella Chirico has been a standout for the MRU Cougars in her tenure with the team. Serving her second season as team captain, Chirico holds down the back line with her physical play and great anticipation. Although it may not show up on the scoresheet, she’s strong in her defensive ability and is able to shut down some of the best in Canada West.

Fraser Valley Cascades

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: A young Cascades roster will look to improve on last year's 3-9-2 record as they continue to get younger. Led by head coach Ari Adams in her third season, the Cascades have just two fourth-year players. One of those two is Camryn Lyon, who will look to solidify the Cascades back line, while up front the attack will be led once again by third-year striker Kiana Langston, and second-year midfielder Emerson Toop.

From the Coach: “UFV returns key contributors this season to continue to build for the 2025 season. With an organized defensive side of the ball and speed in the attack, UFV will continue to improve and compete within the Pacific.” - Ari Adams

Key Performer: Emerson Toop
​Midfielder | 2nd Year | Chilliwack, B.C.

Coming off a strong rookie campaign that saw her named to the conference all-rookie team in 2024, Emerson Toop will be key for the Cascades in her second season. After she picked up 3 goals and an assist in 14 starts last season Toop will once again be a focal point for a young UFV team in attack.

Regina Cougars

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: As the new season begins, the Cougars enter with a balanced mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy. A core of experienced seniors will provide stability. and guidance, while an emerging group of young players brings speed, grit, and fresh momentum. Together, this blend of experience and new talent positions the squad to compete with confidence and push for results as they look to build on a 5-7-2 record from a year ago.

From the coach: “As the new season kicks off, this team steps onto the field with more than just skill. Anchored by a core of battle-tested senior players, this squad brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and an unrelenting drive to finish their journey with pride. But this isn’t just a season of the graduating players. It’s also a chapter being written by the next generation. Gritty, fearless, and packed with raw talent, a rising class of youth players injects new energy into the Cougars. With legacy in motion and the future already on the field, this team is poised to turn potential into performance and ambition into achievement.” - Astrid Baecker

Key Performer: Peyton Enns
​Forward | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

A standout each season, Peyton Enns returns as a driving force in the Cougar lineup, known for her relentless pace, sharp instincts, and game-changing presence on the field. With a string of dominant performances behind her over the years, Enns now stands on the brink of breaking longstanding Cougar soccer records — and she’s showing no signs of slowing down as she gets ready for her final season in the Cougar jersey.

Manitoba Bisons

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: First-year head coach Mark Colvin brings a fresh perspective entering 2025. He returns to Canada after three years coaching abroad in Sweden, working with IF Brommapojkarna's renowned academy, developing some of the top players in the country, while competing against Europe's biggest clubs such as AS Roma, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid. Expect the Bisons to play with a proactive mindset, full of energy while staying aggressive. They will press, put their opponents under pressure and force errors. The Herd have 18 players within years 3-5, and their experience is sure to pay off in Colvin's new system.

From the Coach: “Our team enters this season with energy and determination to perform better than last year with the aim of making the playoffs in the Prairies. Our strength as a team is our unity and chemistry, leaning on our “team game” to find success. With a new head coach joining the program, we are implementing new ideas and a new playing philosophy heading into the season.” - Mark Colvin

Key Performer: Taylor Sousa
​Midfield | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Midfielder Taylor Sousa's crafty play, phenomenal soccer IQ and exceptional communication and experience will be key for the Bisons in 2025.

A national champion with MacEwan in 2021 where she recorded three points, Sousa has the ability to find holes in the opposition's press and the vision and skill to get on the score sheet. Penned by new head coach Mark Colvin as a player to watch, look for a career year on the pitch for the fourth-year phenom out of Winnipeg, who's played in 23 career regular season games at the U SPORTS level.

UNBC Timberwolves

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Team Overview: The UNBC Timberwolves are excited about what lies ahead for 2025. After boasting such a young squad a year ago, there are several players on this roster that are looking to take big steps into larger roles this season. This team has notable depth in goal, and the back-third of the field is in good hands defensively. If some of the younger players can take advantage of their offensive opportunities, the Timberwolves should once again prove to be a challenging foe for whoever faces them.

Key Performer: Claire Turner
​Defender | 3rd Year | Kamloops, B.C.

Last season Maleah Fernie anchored the back line of the UNBC Timberwolves with solid, consistent two-way play. The Kamloops product played every second of soccer possible for UNBC in 2024 and earned Team MVP honours for her efforts. Fernie will once again be looked upon to carry a big load on the back-end for UNBC while providing her squad with obvious leadership - both with words and actions.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #15

Team Overview: With a new head coach leading the way, the Pronghorns aim to establish themselves as a structured, hard-to-play-against team. Backed by a confident young core, they’ll be looking to make their mark in the Prairie Division and surprise their opponents.

From the coach: “Our focus this season is on establishing a strong team identity grounded in organization, resilience, and "embracing the hard" that comes with competing in Canada West. With a young and ambitious core, we are committed to playing with confidence, showcasing an expansive style of play, and maintaining a disciplined structure to limit our opponents’ opportunities. Our culture is evolving quickly as belief in our new direction grows, and we are confident we have the potential to surprise a few teams along the way.” - Cedric Bovon

Key Performer: Viktoria Birglechner
​Midfield | 2nd Year | Pucking, Austria

Birglechner is an intelligent, attack-minded player with exceptional awareness and precision. She excels at finding space between defensive lines, showing composure and creativity in possession. Her competitive nature and consistent drive to influence the game position her as a key contributor this season and a standout talent to watch.