The University of Victoria pipeline is fuelling Canada’s women’s field hockey squad ahead of the Pan American Cup this July.
Canada’s quest for a spot at the 2026 FIH World Cup begins July 24 against a familiar force – Argentina, winners of every Pan American Cup to date. And when the team lines up in Montevideo, Uruguay, it’ll have a distinctly Island feel.
Current Vikes Julia Boraston (midfielder) and Libby Hogg (defender) are set to earn their first senior caps, while UVic alumni Anna Mollenhauer and Kat Leahy, both defenders, bring veteran experience to the squad. Two reserves round out the roster, including Victoria’s Alexis de Armond.
The Vikes women’s field hockey program is a juggernaut – the most decorated in school history, with 17 national championships, including six in a row dating back to 2018. The Canadian roster’s Island-heavy influence is a testament to that dynasty.
The tournament runs July 24 to Aug. 3 in Montevideo, where Canada is grouped with Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The top teams will punch their ticket to the 2026 FIH World Cup.
Hogg and Boraston are coming off a U SPORTS national championship and will step onto the senior international stage for the first time.
"I am super excited to be getting the opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage at the senior level for this event," Hogg said. "It has been a goal of mine for a while to achieve this and to be able to earn my first cap at this event alongside current and former Vikes players. I am truly very honoured for this opportunity."
Both players have sacrificed heavily to get here, commuting between Victoria and Vancouver to stay in the national program’s sights.
"Island athletes are built different," said Vikes head coach Krista Thompson. "They understand what it takes to succeed in a sport where the national training centre is across the water. All four of these athletes are still students and continue to choose to compete at the highest level."
Boraston remains eligible for U23 action, while Hogg capped off a standout season with UVic’s President’s Cup and multiple all-star honours.
Veterans Mollenhauer and Leahy combine for 161 international caps. Mollenhauer is finishing a master’s degree at Ulster University in Northern Ireland; Leahy is completing medical school.
“All four of these athletes are still students and continue to choose to compete at the highest level,” Thompson said. “Island athletes are built different. They understand what it takes to succeed in a sport where the national training centre is across the water.”
With an 18-player roster plus two reserves, Canada’s push for World Cup glory feels like a Vikes family affair.
