The University of Victoria Vikes women’s soccer team announced the names of nine new recruits who will dawn the Vikes logo starting in the fall of 2019. The Vikes were announced as the hosts for the U SPORTS National Championships in November 2019 earlier this year, giving them an automatic berth in the competition next fall.
Vikes head coach Tracy David welcomed her new players at the annual Nike High School Girls soccer tournament that took place on UVic campus from Apr. 10-12.
“We are very happy to be welcoming such a great group of young women into our program ahead of next year’s national championship,” said David. “It’s an exciting time for our team right now and I am confident both our new additions and current players will put the work in to make us successful both next year and beyond.”
Nikki Virk
Currently playing with Surrey United and Fleetwood Park secondary school, Nikki Virk will make the move out the island this fall. Virk is a BCSPL League Cup Champion in 2017 and 2018 with Surrey United while also being named the High School Senior Girls Soccer MVP in 2018 while playing for Fleetwood Park. The 18-year old helped her high school team to a AAA senior girls championship in 2016 and finished as the runners-up in 2017 and 2018
“Playing university level soccer has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember,” stated Verk. “The campus at UVic is beautiful and has a very friendly atmosphere. I look forward to pursuing both my academic and athletic passions starting next fall.”
Lauren Parr
Also a member of the Surrey United and joining the Vikes next season is 17-year old forward Lauren Parr. From North Vancouver, B.C., Parr has been a member of the Surrey United club since 2016 and was named the Argyle Secondary School Female Athlete of the Year in 2018.
“I am so thankful Tracy has given me this opportunity to continue both my soccer and academic career at UVic,” mentioned Parr. “Having the chance to combine two of my passions at the university level is a dream come true.”
Presley Rangel
Presley Rangel (blue)
Presley Rangel comes to the Vikes from Oak Bay High School in Victoria. Presley also has spent significant time playing with the Vancouver Island Wave, starting in their program back in 2012.
“Having the opportunity to continue my studies in my hometown and engaging in the student life at UVic is an exciting opportunity for me,” said Rangel. “I am excited to expand my horizons as both a student and an athlete while having the chance to compete at one of the highest levels of soccer in the country.”
Reese Peacock
Reese Peacock, a native of Manitoba will come west coast next year to begin her U SPORTS career after spending her last two seasons Valour FC Elite girls program formerly known as the Manitoba Blizzard in Winnipeg. Peacock has been connected to the sports world and U SPORTS since a young age. Her father, Mitch Peacock who currently is the play-by-play for the American Hockey League team the Manitoba Moose, is a former U SPORTS athlete himself playing for the Queen’s University Gaels hockey team.
“I am thrilled to be coming to Victoria next year,” said Peacock. ” I came to the campus for the first time when I was in grade 10 and felt comfortable right away. It is exciting to know that I am going to part of such a well respected program across the nation.”
Terra Achtymichuk
Terra Achtymichuk (right) with Director of Vikes Athletics and Recreation, Clint Hamilton
Coming from Sherwood Park, Alta., Terra Achtymichuk will bring plenty of experience as a first-year to the women’s soccer program. Achtymichuk is a five-time provincial champion with her Alberta based club, the Sherwood Park Phoenix. Her hometown team also qualified for both the club national championships in 2017 and 2018.
“I am both thankful and grateful for the opportunity given to me by Tracy,” commented Achtymichuk. “This is a fantastic chance for me to grow both as a student and an athlete while at the University of Victoria.”
Freyja Reed
Freyja Reed is one of two goalkeepers recruited by head coach Tracy David in the 2019-20 recruit class. Born and raised in White Rock, B.C., Reed has spent her last four seasons playing with Coastal FC in BC Soccer Premier League.
“I couldn’t imagine a better school than UVic for me to continue to grow as both an athlete and a person,” stated Reed. “Since the beginning, everything about coming to Victoria has felt like the right choice and I am eager to begin the next chapter of my life here.”
Kayley Lidstone
Kayley Lidstone, the second goalkeeper of the 2019-20 recruitment class, comes to the Vikes from the Claremont Secondary Spartans in Victoria. Lidstone has also spent time playing with the Gorge Soccer Association who plays in the Vancouver Island Premier League.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to play with such a talented, dedicated and well respected soccer program in my hometown,” expressed Lidstone. “The next chapter of my life is going to be exciting with the chance to play the sport I love while getting a great education.”
Kara Skirzyk
Hailing from Delta, B.C., Kara Skirzyk comes to the Vikes women’s soccer program from Coastal FC, staying united with goalkeeper and fellow recruit Freyja Reed. Both Reed and Skirzyk were members of the 2018 national club championship squad last October. The soon to be Sands Secondary graduate also was named the Junior Athlete of the Year Award in 2017.
“It is extremely exciting to know I will begin my soccer career at UVic next season surrounded by such a talented group of players and coaches,” said Skirzyk.
Tess Vande Vegte
Tess Vande Vegte (blue)
Rounding out the 2019-20 Vikes women’s soccer recruit class is 18-year old Tess Vande Vegte from North Vancouver, B.C. The Seycove Secondary student has played with the Fusion FC girls program since 2016 and the North Shore Girls Soccer Club from 2013-2016. Vande Vegte has was named the Athlete of the Year at Seycove Secondary and a First Team School All-Star in 2016 and 2017.
“I still hard to believe the fantastic opportunity I have in front of me,” commented Vande Vegte. “The environmental studies program at UVic is exactly what I was looking for. Playing varsity soccer in a program that already has such a great team and coaching staff has me really excited to start this chapter of my life. It has been a dream of mine since I was very young.”
