Victoria native Sophie de Goede was named 2021 USPORTS Player of the Year for the second time in her career, further adding to a decorated university career. Queen’s University attendant De Goede was also awarded First Team All-Canadian status for 2021.

University of Victoria Vikings fullback Larah Wright picked up the 2021 USPORTS Rookie of the Year award. In addition, Wright was also named as a Second Team All-Canadian. The Calgary native becomes just the second Vike to be named the USPORTS Rookie of the Year, following teammate Gabrielle Senft’s selection in 2015.

Wright, a newcomer to the Vikes program in 2021, was also awarded Canada West Rookie of the Year honours and a selection to the Canada West All-Star team following the conference playoffs.

Vikes Head Coach Brittany Waters said: “Larah has performed beyond her years and experience this year, demonstrating enormous potential. She has been one of our most consistent top performers and has a variety of skills in her toolbox. She is one of our leading point scorers and her defence is equally impressive. She is a hard worker and great teammate as well, and so deserving of this award.”

Fellow Vikes star and Calgary native Chanelle Edwards-Challenger was named a First Team All-Canadian. Edwards-Challenger earns the second All-Canadian designation of her career, but the first selection to the first team.