Former Vike Waters named head coach of Victoria women’s rugby program

By Ali Lee, Vikes Communications

VICTORIA, B.C. – The University of Victoria Vikes women’s rugby program will see a change in leadership this coming fall but that change will bring a lot of familiarity as former Vike Brittany Waters was announced today as the new head coach. The 32-year-old Vancouver native competed for the Vikes for five seasons rounding out her post-secondary career with a Bachelors of Social Science in 2005.

“I’m looking forward to creating a high performance environment where athletes can push themselves to being the best they can be,” said Waters on her new appointment. “I also want to create a positive team culture where the girls will learn to go beyond themselves and truly feel what it means to be part of a well-functioning team.”

Waters was the Vikes assistant coach throughout the Fall 2014 season helping then head coach Mark Hall guide the Vikes to their first Canada West Final Four appearance since 2011. The team did not disappoint bringing home bronze hardware, fittingly setting the momentum for their spring success. In December Hall stepped down as the Vikes women’s rugby head coach, leaving Waters in his spot in the interim. In February the Vikes won the college division at the Vegas 7s and in March the 2005 CIS All-Canadian guided the Vikes to the 2015 University 7s National final. While the Vikes lost out to a talented McMaster squad, it became evident that this just the beginning for Waters’ influence.

As a Vikes student-athlete Waters trained under rugby coaches Jack Eastbury, Brad Skene, Bruce Howe, Marlene Donaldson, Sue Chaulk and David Graham. Highlights for Waters as a Vikes student-athlete include winning Canada West silver in 2001 and hosting CIS Nationals in her final year in 2005.

Despite her extensive and impressive international career Waters still credits UVic as her starting ground.

“My favourite memory as a Vike was hosting nationals in my final year and having that great experience and exposure to playing top teams and top-level rugby,” remembered Waters. “After nationals I was invited to an Under 23 Camp with Rugby Canada and that’s how my road to the senior national women’s team began.”

Waters went on to compete for Canada Under 23s in 2006 and then competed for Canada’s 7s from 2007-2014 and is a current member on the senior women’s 15s team. With Canada’s 7s Waters competed in two world Cups, 2009 and 2013, earning silver in the latter. Waters has been a member of the 15s team since 2008 and has also competed in two World Cups with them, in 2010 and 2014, winning silver in 2014.

The psychology major started coaching in 2006 at the high school level and has worked with Mount Douglas Secondary, Castaway Wanderers age-grade rugby, Meralomas Athletic Club, Lord Byng High School and York House School.

“UVic is where I started my rugby career and rugby has been one of the most influential aspects of my life in defining and creating who I am,” said Waters about her attachment to the Vikes program. “It’s fantastic to be able to bring my experience and passion back to where it all started for me and hopefully provide a similar experience to other athletes.”

This fall the Vikes women’s rugby program will gear up for their Canada West season with hopes of qualifying for the CIS National Championship, set for Nov. 5-8 at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.