VANCOUVER - With the start of the Canada West season set to kick off on Saturday, the conference released its preseason coaches poll and team previews on Thursday.

The reigning national champion UBC Thunderbirds come in as the preseason favourite after collecting 214 points in the poll. The Thunderbirds, who earned with a CW silver medal in 2019, received eight first-place votes from the conference's coaches.

After being denied a third-straight conference title in 2019, the Trinity Western Spartans will look to recapture the Canada West crown in 2021. The Spartans, who won the CW bronze medal in 2019, came in second in the coaches poll (207 points), and received four first-place votes.

The Calgary Dinos will aim to defend their 2019 Canada West title and are once again a favourite to do so. The Dinos tied Trinity Western with 207 points in the poll, and received three first-place votes to claim third spot.

The hosts of the CW Final Four in 2019, the MacEwan Griffins, rounded out the top four with 178 points and one first-place vote.

The Central Division is first to hit the field as they get play underway on September 4 with a pair of matches. The Calgary Dinos open up their CW title defence in a crosstown meeting with the Mount Royal Cougars. In Edmonton, the MacEwan Griffins play host to the Alberta Pandas.

The rest of the conference's 12 teams will begin play a week later with a full slate of matches set for September 11 and 12. To view the full 2021 women's soccer schedule, click here.

Teams will play the 2021 CW regular season exclusively within their own divisions after alternate playing formats were announced by the conference on May 5.

WOMEN'S SOCCER ON CANADA WEST TV PRESENTED BY CO-OP

Every women's soccer game will be available live and on demand this season on Canada West TV Presented by Co-op - the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here.

2021 CW WSOC PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. UBC Thunderbirds - 214 (8)
2. Trinity Western Spartans - 207 (4)*
3. Calgary Dinos - 207 (3)*
4. MacEwan Griffins - 178 (1)
5. Victoria Vikes - 150
6. Saskatchewan Huskies - 149
7. Fraser Valley Cascades - 140
8. Alberta Pandas - 130
9. Manitoba Bisons - 111
10. UBCO Heat - 89
11. Thompson Rivers WolfPack - 88
12. Regina Cougars - 71
13. Mount Royal Cougars - 70
14. UNBC Timberwolves - 56
15. Lethbridge Pronghorns - 37
16. Winnipeg Wesmen - 23

NOTE: Coaches ranked all opponents 1-15. First-place votes worth 15 points, second-place worth 14 points etc. *TWU gets higher placing with more first-place votes.

2021 TEAM PREVIEWS

• West Division
  • UBC Thunderbirds
  • UBCO Heat
  • Fraser Valley Cascades
  • UNBC Timberwolves
  • Thompson Rivers WolfPack
  • Trinity Western Spartans
  • Victoria Vikes
• Central Division
  • Alberta Pandas
  • Calgary Dinos
  • Lethbridge Pronghorns
  • MacEwan Griffins
  • Mount Royal Cougars
• East Division
  • Manitoba Bisons
  • Regina Cougars
  • Saskatchewan Huskies
  • Winnipeg Wesmen

UBC THUNDERBIRDS

2019 CW regular season record: 8-2-4, 3^rd in Pacific Division
2019 post-season record: 3-1, CW silver medal (U SPORTS Champions
Head Coach: Jesse Symons (6^th season) / 33-10-13 (Career CW reg. season record)

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2016 / 15
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2019 / 7

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 21 goals, 8^th in CW
• Defence: 9 goals against, 3^rd in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 3 - Danielle Steer, F / Nisa Reehal, M / Sophie Damian, M
• Assists: 2 - Michelle Jang, F
• Points: 4 - Michelle Jang, F / Danielle Steer, F
• Wins: 8 - Emily Moore
• Shutouts: 7 - Emily Moore

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Sophia Ferreira / D / 1 / Coquitlam, B.C. / Centennial Secondary
• Ava Alexander / F / 1 / Nanaimo, B.C. / Nanaimo United FC
• Ella Sunde / M / 1 / North Vancouver, B.C. / Windsor Secondary
• Ella Baldwin / M / 1 / Toronto, Ont. / North Toronto SC
• Aislin Phillips / M / 1 / Cochrane, Alta. / Calgary Blizzard
• Sydney Slater / F / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Blizzard
• Sophie Hill / D / 1 / West Vancouver, B.C. / Mountain United FC
• Dakota Beckett / GK / 1 / Langley, B.C. / Fraser Valley Premier

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Alyssa Hunt / F / Surrey, B.C. / 5
• Emma Peckinpaugh / D / Delta, B.C. / 5

Key performer:

• Danielle Steer
• Forward
• 4^th Year
• Surrey, B.C.

2019 Stats: 3 Goals / 1 Assist / 4 Points
The Thunderbirds' leading returning goal scorer, Danielle Steer scored the game winning goal in both the 2019 U SPORTS Championship semifinal and final, leading UBC to their seventh national title. For her efforts, Steer was given the Gunn Baldursson Memorial Award as Tournament MVP.

UBC OKANAGAN HEAT

2019 CW regular season record: 1-12-1 (16^th)
2019 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Craig Smith - 6^th season/15-40-10 regular season record

Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 4 goals for (16^th)
• Defence: 36 goals against (15^th)

2019 CW regular season leaders:

• Goals: 1 - Jill Hunt (Midfielder) & Yvonne Manwaring (Forward)
• Assists: 1 - Erica Lampert (Midfielder)
• Points: 1 - Jill Hunt (Midfielder, Yvonne Manwaring (Forward) & Erica Lampert (Midfielder)
• Wins: 1 - Emma Terrillon (Goalkeeper)
• Shutouts: 1 - Emma Terrillon (Goalkeeper)

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Sydney Kolodziej - Midfielder, 1^st year, Kelowna, B.C., Thompson Okanagan FC
• Molly Mullin - Forward, 1^st year, Surrey, B.C., TSS FC
• Rhema Batchondo - Forward, 1^st year, Surrey, B.C., Surrey United FC

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Madison Laranjo - Midfielder, Vernon, B.C., 5
• Maya Bandy - Defender, Vernon, B.C., 5

Key performer:

• Name: Molly Race
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Eligibility Year: 1
• Hometown: Vernon, B.C.
• 2019 Stats: N/A

Molly, a second-year netminder taking the field for the first time with the Heat this season, promises to play a crucial role for UBCO in 2021. Not only are her shot stopping abilities impressive, but based on Coach Smith's style of play, her talent to distribute the ball with her feet will also be on display throughout the season.

FRASER VALLEY CASCADES

2019 CW regular season record: 4-5-5, 5th in Pacific Division
2019 post-season record: 1-1, eliminated in CW quarter-finals
Head Coach: Niko Marcina / 2nd season / N/A

Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 22 goals, 7th in CW
• Defence: 26 goals against, 13th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 2 - Simi Lehal, F
• Assists: 1 - Lehal, Sarah Parker, F
• Points: 3 - Lehal
• Wins: 3 - Andrea Perkovic, GK
• Shutouts: 1 - Perkovic

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Avery Tulloch (Midfielder / Year 1 / Coquitlam, B.C. / Coquitlam Metro Ford)
• Jiya Kaila (Forward / Year 1 / Surrey, B.C. / Surrey United)
• Jasdeep Dhaliwal (Midfielder / Year 1 / Surrey, B.C. / Surrey United)
• Hannah Gamble (Midfielder / Year 3 / Mililani, Hawaii / University of Indianapolis)

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Brittney Zacharuk (Midfielder / Delta, B.C. / 5 years)
• Marianne Spring (Centre back / Abbotsford, B.C. / 5 years)
• Katie Lampen (Forward / Chilliwack, B.C. / 2 years)
• Kate Fisher (Forward / Powell River, B.C. / 3 years)
• Tripat Sandhu (Midfielder / Abbotsford, B.C. / 4 years)

Key performer:
Brittany Costa
Centre back/Midfielder
Year 3
Delta, B.C.
2018 Stats: (3 goals / 2 assists / 5 points)

Costa will be making her Cascades debut this fall, but she's well-established as an impact player in Canada West based on her outstanding seasons with the MacEwan Griffins in 2017 and 2018. She'll wear the captain's armband for UFV, and will be an influential orchestrator from the backline. Costa is an outstanding all-around player whose impeccable defensive positioning speaks to her high soccer IQ, and she wins a lot of aerial balls despite not being the tallest player on the pitch. Her leadership is equally impactful off the pitch, as she keeps the Cascades in alignment with their program values and goals.

UNBC TIMBERWOLVES

2019 CW regular season record: 3-7-4, 6^th position in Pacific
2019 post-season record: 0-1
Head Coach: Neil Sedgwick / 6th season / 9-34-12

Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 12 goals, 11th in CW
• Defence: 19 goals against, 8th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 2 - Hannah Emmond, F
• Assists: 1 - 5 players
• Points: 2 - Hannah Emmond, F
• Wins: 2 - Brooke Molby, GK
• Shutouts: 3 - Brooke Molby, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Monika Johnson / F / 4 / Surrey, BC / UFV Cascades
• Anna Kaied / F / 3 / Surrey, BC / Langara Falcons
• Katharina Weltz / M / 1 / Leipzig, Germany / FC Phoenix Leipzig
• Tabea Ziemke / M / 1 / Tomisvorst, Germany / Borussia Monchengladbach

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Mara McCleary / D / Victoria, BC / 5
• Paige Payne / F / Kitimat, BC / 5
• Sofia Jones / F / San Francisco, CA / 3
• Julia Babicz / D / Prince George, BC / 5

Key performer:

• Monika Johnson
• F
• 4
• Surrey, BC
• Stats from 2016 with UFV: 10 G / 6 Assists / 16 Pts

As the Timberwolves bid farewell to conference all-stars Mara McCleary and Paige Payne, as well as key contributors Sofia Jones, Julia Babicz, and Ashley Volk, the program will look to incoming U SPORTS All-Canadian Monika Johnson to help with the youth movement. The 25-year-old forward scored 23 goals in her three seasons with the UFV Cascades, and will look to contribute to the UNBC attack using her speed and physicality.

THOMPSON RIVERS WOLFPACK

2019 CW regular season record: 2-8-4, 7th Pacific Division
2019 CW post-season record: DNQ
Head coach: Mark Pennington / 2nd season / 2-8-4 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: None
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: None

2018 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 10 goals, tied 12th
• Defence: 25 goals against, tied 11th in CW

2018 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 3 - Camryn Curts, Midfield
• Assists: 2 - Camryn Curts, Midfield
• Points: 5 - Camryn Curts, Midfield
• Wins: 1 - Danielle Robertson / Mae Hobenshield, Goalkeeper
• Shutouts: 2 - Danielle Robertson, Goalkeeper

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Caylah Lemon / Defender / 1st-year / Surrey, BC / Coastal FC
• Hollis Roeske / Midfield / 4th-year / Vancouver, BC / SFU
• Raiya Rumo / Defender / 1st-year / Courtice, Ont. / Oshawa Kicks
• Allie Shiyuk / Defender / 1st-year / Surrey, BC / Coastal FC

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Marisa Mendonca / Midfield / Penticton, BC / 5
• Cassie Morris / Defender / Kamloops, BC / 4
• Robin Price / Midfield / Smithers, BC / 4
• Natalie Verdiel / Defender / Powell River, BC / 5

Key performer:

• Camryn Curts
• Midfielder
• 4th-Year
• Courtenay, B.C.
• 2019 Stats: (3 Goals / 2 Assists / 5 Pts)

A force in the middle of the pitch, Camryn Curts has been a leader for the WolfPack since joining the team in 2017, with the product of Courtenay starting 41 of a possible 42 matches throughout her WolfPack career.

Possessing an ability to drive forward and create offence from a midfield position, Curts has totalled six goals, seven assists and 13 points during her time with the 'Pack. A leader both on and off the pitch for a young WolfPack squad, Curts has led the team in assists in all three of her seasons at the U SPORTS level.

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS

2019 CW regular season record: 12-1-1, 1^st in Pacific Division
2019 post-season record: 2-1, 3^rd place
Head Coach: Graham Roxburgh: 22^nd season / Career CW reg. season record: 178-47-37

Last CW championship: 2018 / total CW championships: 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018 / 8 CW Championships
Last CIS championship: 2013 / total U SPORTS championships: 2004, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 / 5^th place

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 48 goals for, 1^st in CW
• Defence: 10 goals against, 4^th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 8 - Kathryn Harvey, FWD
• Assists: 3 - Kathryn Harvey, FWD
• Points: 11 - Kathryn Harvey, FWD
• Wins: 12 - Hannah Miller, GK
• Shutouts: 6 - Hannah Miller, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Anna Dunn / MID / 4^th year / Edmonton / U of A Pandas
• Sarah Bazille / DEF / 1^st year / Coquitlam, BC / Coquitlam Metro Ford
• Makenna Van Der Veen / MID / 1^st year / Stony Plain, AB / Edmonton Northwest
• Olivia Kranjcec / MID / 1^st year / Okotoks, AB / Calgary Foothills

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jenaya Robertson / MID / Delta, BC / 5 years
• Rachel Hutchinson / FWD / Cloverdale, BC / 5 years
• Brooklyn Tidder / DEF / White Rock, BC / 5 years
• Kristen Sakaki / DEF / Surrey, BC / 4 years

Key performer

• Name: Elizabeth Hicks
• Position: Centre Back
• Year: 5^th year
• Hometown: Surrey, BC
• 2019 Stats: (1 goal/2 assists/3 points)

Elizabeth Hicks stands as a critical and experienced piece of Trinity Western's back line. Stepping in as captain for her final season with the Spartans, Hicks holds a prominent role of leadership on and off the field for the team. With eight clean sheets for TWU in 2019, Hicks was an anchor of the Spartans back line and will look to bring her experience and leadership onto the pitch for a new-look Spartans side in the 2021 season.

VICTORIA VIKES

2019 CW regular season record: 8-3-3/1-1 (4th Pacific)
2019 post-season record (CW and U SPORTS combined): 2-3 (CW Quarterfinals/U SPORTS host)
Head coach: Tracy David

Last CW championship / total CW championships (if no championships, list highest previous finish): 2008 / 3
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships (if no championships, list highest previous finish): 2005 / 1

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 20 goals for, 9th in CW
• Defence: 12 goals against, 5th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders:

• Goals: 5 - Kiara Kilbey, F
• Assists: 3 - Kyra Teetzen, M
• Points: 7- Kiara Kilbey, F
• Wins: 7 - Puck Louwes, GK
• Shutouts: 5 - Puck Louwes, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Tanis Mckay / M / 3 / Port Moody / Collingwood School, transfer from Radford University
• Erin Jensen/ F / 1 / Nanaimo / Nanaimo District Secondary School
• Kiera Howaniec/ F / 1 / Kamloops/ Valleyview Secondary
• Heather Del Pero/ GK / 1/ Edmonton/ Strathcona High School

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Rachel Baird / M / Nanaimo / 5
• Kennedy Martin / D / Calgary / 5
• Puck Lowes / GK / Utretcht, Netherlands / 5
• Kiara Kilbey/ F/ Victoria/5
• Natalie Cavallin/ M / Victoria/ 5

Key performer:

• Kyra Teetzen
• Midfielder
• 5th year
• Quesnel, BC

The Vikes face a rebuilding year after losing key fifth year players following the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Fifth year midfielder Kyra Teetzen will look to lead the young Vikes squad from the midfield. Teetzen has cemented herself as an integral piece of the team, patrolling the middle of the pitch with power and intensity. A classic box-to-box midfielder Teetzen is a biomedical engineering student who attacks the game like she does the classroom, with incredible proficiency averaging .50 pts/g.
A product of Quesnel BC, Teetzen brings experience and leadership to the field and will play a larger role than ever before in the 2021-22 season.

ALBERTA PANDAS

2019 CW regular season record: /6-2-6/, 4^th in Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: /0-1/, L vs UFV, CW Quarter-Final
Head Coach Kristyn Shapka: 2nd season / 0-0-0 Career CW reg. season record

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2013 / 9
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2001 / 3

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 23 goals, 6^th
• Defence: 16 goals against, 6^th

2019 CW regular season leaders:

• Goals: 2 - Brooke Lang, Defender
• Assists: 1 - Nicole McKay, Defender
• Points: 2 - Brooke Lang, Defender
• Wins: 6 - Ashley Turner, Goal Keeper
• Shutouts: 3.5 - Ashley Turner, Goal Keeper

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Wanda Czebreszuk / Midfield / 1^st / Brampton, Ontario / Woodbridge Soccer Club
• Vanessa Minckler / Midfield / 2^nd / Edmonton, AB / NAIT Ooks
• Abbie Sheflo / Midfield / 1^st / Edmonton, AB / Juventus
• Kelli Haffie / Defender / 1^st / Sturgeon County, AB / North West United

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Aly Parth / Midfield / St. Albert, AB / 5
• Kiera Fujimoto / Midfield / Red Deer, AB / 5
• Brenna Mattiello / Forward / Edmonton, AB / 5
• Nicole Palladino / Forward / Edmonton, AB / 5

Key performer

• Ashley Turner
• Goal Keeper
• 4^th Year
• Edmonton, AB
• 2019 Stats: 6-2-5 Record / 3.5 shutouts

With a young roster entering the 2021 season, which features 10 athletes in their first year of eligibility, and a head coach entering her first year of competition, the Pandas will need to lean on their veteran core this season.

One such individual is fourth-year Panda, Ashley Turner. Turner posted stellar numbers in 2019, finishing in the top ten in Canada West in wins (6), goals against average (1.28), saves (45), and shutouts (3.5).

Turner will once again need to post all-star caliber numbers in 2021, as they aim for a second CW Final Four appearance in three seasons.

CALGARY DINOS

2019 CW regular season record: 10-1-3, 2nd in Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: 3-0, CW champ (U SPORTS - 2nd)
Head Coach: Troye Flannery (8th season) / 59-16-19 (Career CW reg. season record)

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2019 / 2
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 1998 / 1

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 31 goals, 3rd in CW
• Defence: 7 goals against, 1st in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 9 - Montana Leonard, M
• Assists: 6 - Amy Mikuska, D
• Points: 11 - Montana Leonard, M
• Wins: 10 - Lauren Houghton, GK
• Shutouts: 8 - Lauren Houghton, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Ruth Adekugbe / F / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Foothills WFC
• Jayden Berg / M / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Foothills WFC
• Brooklyn Colvin / D / 1 / Chestermere, Alta. / Foothills WFC
• Shyanne Hedges / M / 4 / Calgary, Alta. / Foothills WFC (UWS)
• Laura Kautz / M / 5 / Edmonton, Alta. / Impact FC (UWS)

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Taylor Dangerfield / M / Calgary, Alta. / 5
• Sienna Prince-McPherson / M / Calgary, Alta. / 5

Key performer:

• Amy Mikuska
• Defender
• 5th-year
• Calgary, Alta.
• 2019 Stats: 4 Goals / 6 Assists / 10 Points

One of the most well-rounded players on a deep Calgary roster, Amy Mikuska returns for her senior season following a breakout 2019 campaign.
The Calgary native was one of two Dinos to be named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian in 2019. Mikuska was part of a Calgary backend that allowed only seven goals in 14 goals, making it the toughest defence in the conference for a second consecutive season. Mikuska also contributed offensively, finishing tied for third on the team with four goals and tied for second with 10 points.

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS

2019 CW regular season record: /1-6-7-/, 6th position
2019 post-season record: /0-1-/, Play-in game loss
Head Coach: Macky Singh: 1^st season / Career CW reg. season record 0-0

Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year / N/A
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: Year / N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 9 goals, 14th in CW
• Defence: 22 goals against, tied 7th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 3 - Colette Mofakham, Midfield
• Assists: 1 - Colette Mofakham, Midfield/ Kaleigh Harris, Forward
• Points: 4 - Colette Mofakham, Midfield
• Wins: 1 - Hanna Quinn, goalkeeper
• Shutouts: 1 - Chelsea Galbraith

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Bridie Harding/ Goalkeeper / 2^nd / Stoke on Trent, England / Keyano College

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jesse Dueck/ Defence / Coaldale, AB/ 5 years
• Raeleen Vanden Dungen/ Forward / Vauxhall, AB / 4 years

Key performer:

• Name: Lucy Mundy
• Position: Attacking Midfield
• Year: 2^nd
• Hometown: Okotoks, AB

Sophomore Lucy Mundy will be a solid performer in the midfield for the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns this year. She has a range of qualities that will help the team create scoring chances and score goals at the same time. Her range of passing whether is short or a 40m diagonal pass will be a weapon that the Pronghorns will try and use effectively this season. Lucy has the ability to score goals from long range as well which will be important as the Pronghorns look to improve the team's goal scoring record.

MACEWAN GRIFFINS

2019 CW regular season record: 9-2-3 / 1st Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: 1-2 / 4th
Head Coach: Dean Cordeiro / 9th season / 48-20-14

Last CW championship / total CW championships: None
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: None

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 35 goals for / 2nd in CW
• Defence: 8 goals against / 2nd in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 7 - Salma Kamel, F
• Assists: 4 - Maya Morrell, F
• Points: 9 - Meagan Lemoine, F/D
• Wins: 0 - Bianca Castillo, GK
• Shutouts: 0 - Bianca Castillo, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Erin Van Dolder / M / 4 / Edmonton, AB / Rice University
• Grace Mwasalla / F/M / 1 / Chatham, ON / Calgary Blizzard
• Nicole Brodeur / F / 1 / Edmonton, AB / University of Memphis
• Anneke Odinga / D / 1 / St. Albert, AB / St. Albert Impact
• Alyx Henderson / F / 1 / Sherwood Park, AB / Sherwood Park Phoenix
• Taylor Sousa / M/D / 1 / West St. Paul, MB / Valour FC Elite

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jamie Erickson / D / Edmonton, AB / 5
• Emily Burns / GK / Sherwood Park, AB / 5
• Suekiana Choucair / M / Edmonton, AB / 5
• Kristyn Smart / M / Edmonton, AB / 5

Key performer:

• Samantha Gouveia
• Position: Centre-back
• Year: 5
• Hometown: Edmonton, AB
• 2019 Stats: 1 goal, 1 assist for 2 points in 6 GP

MacEwan's captain for the 2021 season, the fifth-year defender brings leadership and veteran poise to the crucial centre-back position for the Griffins.
Gouveia recently won an Iron Woman award for playing every minute of every game for the St. Albert Impact in their inaugural season in the United Women's Soccer Leagues' pro-am circuit in 2021.

She's set to have a similar impact with the Griffins as a regular 90-minute defensive workhorse for one of the stingiest teams in the Canada West ranks.
On the offensive side of the game, Gouveia has a cannon from long range, is able to thread sublime through balls and is also a weapon on free kicks.
Injured for all but six games during the 2019 season, the Edmontonian is hungry to cap off her university career with personal and team success in 2021.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS

2019 CW regular season record: /-/, position 2-10-2
2019 post-season record: /-/, playoff finish 7th overall, did not qualify for playoffs
Head Coach: Tino Fusco: 12th season, 26-58-21

Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year / # N/A
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: Year / # N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 10 goals for, 12th overall
• Defence: 28 goals against, 14th overall

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 2 - Janai Martens, Midfield / Sharnae Sedres, Winger
• Assists: 1 - Janai Martens, Midfield
• Points: 5 - Janai Martens, Midfield

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Bethany Middlemass / AM / Eligibility 2 / Stanley, England / Dodge City
• Elizabeth Knight / GK / Eligibility 1 / Surrey, England / Dodge City
• Isabella Chirico / D / Eligibility 1 / Vancouver, BC / Mountain United FC

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Athena Fourlas / W / Calgary, AB / 2G / 4PTS / 2 yrs @ MRU
• Natalie De Marco / AM / Canberra, Australia / 2G / 3A / 7PTS / 2 yrs @ MRU

Key performer:

• Isabella Chirico
• D
• Eligibility 1
• Vancouver, BC / Mountain United FC

Joining the Cougars from Mountain FC, out of Vancouver, BC is Isabella Chirico. During her time with BC's provincial program, she was named team captain and helped her squad place second in the 2018-19 competition. Chirico describes herself as a vocally and physically aggressive defensive player who will always be there to support her teammates. Although a first year player, Chirico has been named to the starting 11 squad, but it is yet to be determined where she will be slated positionally.

Given the world events of the past year and half, Chirico knows it's a privilege to continue playing soccer at the U SPORTS level and is excited to continue her development with a more

MANITOBA BISONS

2019 CW regular season record: 8-5-1, 3^rd in Prairie Division
2019 CW post-season record: 1-1, Lost in quarterfinal 0-1 to Calgary
Head coach: Vanessa Martinez Lagunas (9^th season) / Career CW reg. season record: 34-40-19

Last CW championship / total CW championships: none / none
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: none / none

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 28 goals, 4^th in CW
• Defence: 22 goals against, 9^th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 6 - Jessica Tsai, MF
• Assists: 8 - Jessica Tsai, MF
• Points: 14 - Jessica Tsai, MF
• Wins: 4 - Alexis Andereson, GK
• Shutouts: 3 - Alexis Anderson, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Tabata Bravo / F / 1 / Toluca, Mexico / Lioness FC
• Bianca Cavalcanti / F / 1 / Recife, Brazil / Sport Club do Recife
• Breyanna Johnston-Krulicki / D / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / FC Northwest SC
• Paris Sidhu / F / 1 / Richmond, BC / TSS Academy
• Hailey Witko / D / 1 / Selkirk, MB / FC Northwest SC

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Haydn Burdeny / D / Winnipeg, MB / 5
• Hailey Lavarias / MF / Winnipeg, MB / 5
• Katherine Meo / D / Thunder Bay, ON / 5
• Hayley Ward / D / West St. Paul, MB / 5

Key performer:

• Jessica Tsai
• Midfield
• 2^nd Year
• Winnipeg, MB

After a missed season on the pitch, 19-year-old Jessica Tsai is looking to pick up where she left off in 2019 - an outstanding rookie season where the Bonivital product immediately became one of the country's top young scorers. Playing the midfield, Tsai led Manitoba in points in her rookie campaign, scoring six goals and marking eight assists. Those 14 points ended up being the third-highest total in Canada West, trailing only two fifth-years.

Tsai also finished ninth in the conference with 36 shots, scored two game-winners against Regina and Winnipeg, and started all 14 matches for the Bisons, who finished with their best record in ten years at 8-5-1. For her play, she became the third Bisons women's soccer player to be named to a U SPORTS All-Canadian team, making the All-Rookie squad, and was named the Bisons female Rookie of the Year across all sports for 2019-20.

REGINA COUGARS

2019 CW regular season record: 3-8-3, 5^th in Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: 0-1, Lost in play-in game
Interim Co-Head Coaches: Rob McCaffrey and Astrid Baecker / 1st season (both coaches) / Coaching Record: 0-0

Last CW championship / total CW championships: (none)
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: (none)

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 16 goals, 10^th in CW
• Defence: 25 goals against, 11^th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 2 - Kyra Vibert, Forward
• Assists: 3 - Kyra Vibert, Forward
• Points: 5 - Kyra Vibert, Forward
• Wins: No returning players
• Shutouts: No returning players

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Allyson Ford / Goalkeeper / 1^st Year / Thunder Bay / FC Regina
• Peyton Enns / Forward / 1^st Year / Winnipeg / Bonivital SC & Valour FC Elite Girls
• Cassandra De Amaral / Goalkeeper / 1^st Year / Vancouver / TSS Academy

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Lauren Petras / Defender / Saskatoon / 4 Years
• Amou Madol / Defender / Regina / 2 Years
• Sydney Langen / Forward / Regina / 5 Years
• Olivia Gables / Forward / Regina / 1 Year

Key performer:

• Name: Kyra Vibert
• Position: Forward
• Year: 4
• Hometown: Regina, SK
• 2019 Stats: 2 Goals, 3 Assists, 5 Pts

A leader for the team both on and off the field, Kyra Vibert is one of the most dependable and consistent sources of offense on the team. With her passing and scoring ability, she can provide a spark and change the momentum of the game. Vibert has already made her mark in the school's record book as she ranks fourth in program history in assists and sixth in goals with two years of U SPORTS eligibility still remaining.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES

2019 CW regular season record: 8-2-4, 2^nd in Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: 0-1-0, lost in CW quarterfinals to UBC
Head Coach : Jerson Barandica-Hamilton 7^th season / 44-19-19 (Career CW reg. season record)

Last CW championship / total CW championships: None
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: None

2019 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 26, 5^th in CW
Defence: 13, 6^th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 9 - Maya Gabruch, F
• Assists: 5 - Taneil Gay, F
• Points: 11 - Maya Gabruch, F
• Wins: 7 - Jadyn Steinhauer, GK
• Shutouts: 4 - Jadyn Steinhauer, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Naleya Kobussen / Forward / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / SK Regional Excel Centre
• Georgina Gannitsos-Clark / Midfield / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / SK REX
• Alyssa D'agnone / Forward / 1 / Lethbridge, AB / Calgary Blizzard SC
• Morgan Rioch / Midfield / 1 / Calgary, AB / SWU Premiers 03

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jackson Wiegers / Midfield / Saskatoon, SK / 5

Key performer:

• Name: Taneil Gay
• Position: Forward
• Year: 5
• Hometown: Regina, SK
• 2019 Stats: 3 Goals / 5 Assists / 8 Pts

• Name: Jadyn Steinhauer
• Position: GK
• Year: 5
• Hometown: Saskatoon, SK
• 2019 Stats: 7 Wins / 4 Shutouts

This year the Huskies are fortunate to have five 5th years decide to return to play out their eligibility. All 5 will be key players for the Huskies this year. Specifically, Taneil Gay and Jadyn Steinhauer are poised to have a great campaign to finish out their collegiate careers. Taneil Gay is a consistent threat in front of goal being able to provide both scoring and assists to her teammates. Meanwhile, Jadyn Steinhauer has been ever-present as the Huskies goalkeeper and will look to continue her strong 2019-20 form.

WINNIPEG WESMEN

2019 CW regular season record: 1-12-1, 8th Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: DNQ
Head Coach: Amy Anderson (7th season) / 7-58-17 (Career CW reg. season record)

Last CW championship / total CW championships: None
Last CIS championship / total U SPORTS championships: None

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: Nine goals, T14 in CW
• Defence: 46 goals against, 16th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: None
• Assists: 1 - Tia Lecox, Forward
• Points: 1 - Tia Lecox, Forward
• Wins: 1 - Taryn Raabe, Goalkeeper
• Shutouts: 1 - Taryn Raabe, Goalkeeper

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Karrisa Schneider / Forward / 3rd / Winnipeg / Drury University
• Sydney Butler / Forward / 1st / Steinbach / Steinbach Regional SS
• Jessica Munoz / Defender / 1st / Winnipeg / Kelvin High School
• Kia Pang / Forward / 1st / Winnipeg / West Kildonan Collegiate

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Shae-Lynn Dodds / Forward / Winnipeg / 3
• Nicole Seavers / Midfielder / Winnipeg / 5
• Katia Occhino / Defender / Winnipeg / 5
• Nicole Redekopp / Defender / Winnipeg / 5

Key performer:

• Taryn Raabe
• Goalkeeper
• 2nd
• Winnipeg
• 2019 Stats: 14 games, 14 starts, 113 saves

The reigning team MVP, Raabe led U Sports and the Canada West in saves in 2019 with 113, the fifth-highest single-season mark in Canada West history and third all-time in Wesmen history. She played all but 45 minutes as a freshman, and returns as a key cog on a team filled with youth and a defensive third that boasts fourth-year Chantal Boulet and third-year Sophie Fonseca as the most senior returnees to the squad.