Mariners Eager To Kick Off

The 2025 PACWEST soccer season will open this weekend and the VIU Mariners are hoping the friendly confines of Q'unq'inuqwstuxw NDSS Turf Field will propel them to success in their weekend doubleheader with the Douglas Royals.

On the women’s side, the Mariners are the defending Conference champions and have their eyes on being the first team to repeat as champions since they did it in 2018 and 2019. Reigning PACWEST Coach of the Year Bobbie Taylor is back on the sidelines and is looking forward to defending their gold medal. “We have bolstered our team with experience and fresh athleticism with a solid game IQ. We're looking to take control of our game and stick to our vision.”

Those experienced athletes that have bolstered their roster have USports experience in Mary Nicholls from UBC and Erin Jensen from UVic. They have also added midfielder Jada Kamerman who returns home to Nanaimo after spending a season at Tarleton State University in Texas.

Several key pieces from last year’s gold medal squad are back to defend their title. Keeper Kaiden Thorpe, was outstanding last season, collected 3.5 clean sheets in nine appearances and should get the start on Saturday in their home opener. Mya Creed is also back after scoring two goals last year from the backline and will be that calming presence as she enters her fourth PACWEST season. Courtney Ingram is the lone fifth year student athlete on the roster and will need to make an impact out of her midfielder position.

The defending champs will hit the pitch running and should have gelled already after playing four exhibition games, a pair against NUFC Women, a single against UVic and another when they faced Peninsula College.

They will open the season on Saturday afternoon at 12:30pm.

The Mariners’ men’s team has been chomping at the bit to get back on the pitch after missing the PACWEST playoff tournament last season. They are motivated to redeem themselves and will no doubt put the Conference on notice in the very first game. Head coach Kevin Lindo is back and is excited to see what this year’s roster will do after a fairly young squad in 2024. “We took many rookies last year and they have had a year to bond and gain experience and will be given the opportunity to shine. Ash Bryant will step up as captain who had grown into a great leader for us,” says Lindo.

Along with the core returning players, Lindo has added some more impactful pieces to the roster including rookies Liam Howe and Adam Tsang who can both play midfield. Marko Ilich from McEwan has also been added and will be a key addition in the keeper’s position. He will get the start in the home opener on Saturday.

“Our group is as together and bonded as I have seen, with many of the lads knowing each other very well,” continues Lindo. “We have pace, youth and will looking to bounce back after last years disappointment.”

The Mariners open the PACWEST season on Saturday afternoon at 3:00pm.