Message from the Upper School Athletics Director

Ms. Carla Di Filippo

Hello Gators,

As the frost begins to melt and we look toward the spring, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible grit and determination shown by our student-athletes this winter. Every time a Gator stepped onto the court, the ice, the pool or the trails, they did so with a level of effort and pride that defines the 蜜桃视频 spirit.

On the courts, our Badminton Teams were dominant with an impressive three teams (U13, U14 and U20) clinching CISAA gold! Our Volleyball Program also set a high bar for excellence, earning three hard-fought silver medals. Perhaps one of the most emotional highlights of the season took place on the ice. For the first time in four years, our Varsity Hockey Team emerged victorious on Hockey Day, reclaiming the Hewitt Cup in a thrilling performance. The team鈥檚 momentum didn鈥檛 stop there; they carried that energy all the way to OFSAA, where they secured an impressive 9th place finish (after being ranked 20th) in the province.

Whether you stood on a podium or hit a personal best, we are so incredibly proud of every single athlete. Thank you for representing the green and gold with such heart! We are incredibly proud of the way our athletes embraced challenges, supported one another and continued to grow throughout the season. From early morning practices to high-pressure games, their dedication never wavered.

After the March Break, we celebrated our winter teams during our Athletics Assembly, where we presented the MVP and Coaches Awards for all teams. . Congratulations to all athletes on a fun and exciting winter term of sports! 

I look forward to some sunshine this spring season!

Roll Gators!

Ms. D.

Message from the Junior School Athletic Director

Ms. Anna Bartlett

Through the heart of winter, Junior School students demonstrated grit, determination and commitment as intramurals, squads and teams pushed forward in full force.

Our Volleyball Program soared again, with 13 teams and 89 athletes from Grades 4 to 6 competing this season. Every rally reflected resilience and drive, maintaining the highest participation in the CISAA and reinforcing a culture of perseverance.

In the pool, our swimmers rose to the challenge at the championships. The U12 Swim Team delivered strong performances, achieving personal bests through focus, discipline and hard work.

On the ice, the U12 Hockey Team embraced the spotlight on Hockey Day in front of more than 1,500 spectators. A season highlight was a hard-fought 5 to 5 tie against Royal St. George鈥檚, battling back in the final three minutes 鈥� an effort defined by heart and composure.

In the gym, intramurals continue to energize our athletes in Grades 1 to 6. Led by dedicated Grade 6 leaders, these sessions helped build skills, leadership and school spirit.

Looking ahead, momentum continues into spring. Softball interest remains strong, while U12 Ultimate will again partner with Crescent School in a co-ed format. Track and Field athletes are preparing to compete, and Multisport and Basketball/Soccer Programs continue to engage our younger students.

Across every court, field, rink and pool, our athletes show what it means to commit, persevere and grow.

Go Gators!

Ms. Bartlett

A Message from the Student Editor

Catherine T.

Hey Gators! I can鈥檛 believe we’re already through the winter season and heading toward the spring season. I want to take a moment and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our 蜜桃视频 Gators as well as our Canadian Olympic athletes who participated in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. 

This edition will be covering the amazing accomplishments of our Gators as well as the accomplishments of our fellow Canadian athletes. Even in the dark gloom of tests and assignments, as well as the weather, I find that every winter season, the school spirit comes alive. A huge congratulations to our Varsity Hockey Team and their long-awaited win over Bishop Strachan School for the Hewitt Cup at Hockey Day. I want to give huge props to the Captain, Izzy Tubbe, Assistant Captains, Sophia Liu and Emma Oliver, as well as to our amazing coaches for this incredible game. 

While all of our teams have had such amazing accomplishments, it’s the determination, the perseverance and the joy that our athletes can foster that is the true meaning of sport. Even in the scary moments when the clock is ticking and every single play is important to the success of the team, it’s the sportsmanship of our Gators that shines through every time. 

I would like to dedicate this edition of Gator Zone to all of our incredible writers who were also participants in the Nordic ski trip, the Badminton Team, the Volleyball Team and more. I would like to share my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has worked on this edition. The publication would not have been possible without the tireless effort of Ms. Di Filippo, Ms. Pink, Ms. Bartlett, the Sports Prefects and our talented writers for their contributions.

I am so excited to see what our Gators achieve during the upcoming spring season. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the second edition of Gator Zone 2025-26!

Catherine

Message from the Sports Prefects

Izzy and Emma

The snow might have been falling, but our HC teams were heating up this winter season! Hey Gators, as we wrap up an incredible winter athletic term, we want to recognize the outstanding achievements our school has accomplished over the past few months. The determination our athletes showed in every practice and competition was unmatched, and the energy from our supporters made every game even more memorable.

A huge highlight of this term was reclaiming Hockey Day after three long years. In a hard-fought and intense battle against BSS, our team came out on top with an exciting 4 to 3 victory. The atmosphere was electric and the pride across our community was undeniable. Another meaningful event this season was Hockey for Health, where we hosted a student panel focused on mental health in sport. It was an impactful conversation that highlighted the importance of supporting one another both on and off the ice.

Many teams went above and beyond this season. Congratulations to our swimmers who competed at OFSAA and represented 蜜桃视频 with incredible effort and pride. Our Middle School Swim Team also delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home CISAA gold. Badminton had an exceptional season, with three out of our four teams winning CISAA finals titles. Our curlers and D1B Hockey Team both earned CISAA bronze medals, showcasing their hard work and resilience throughout the season.

Our D1A Hockey Team made history by advancing to OFSAA in Windsor for the first time. Ranked 20th going into the tournament, they defied expectations by defeating the first-place team, proving their determination and competitive spirit on a huge stage. Our volleyball teams also had an incredibly strong showing this season, bringing home two CISAA silver medals and two bronze medals, highlighting the depth of talent across the program.

Finally, we want to congratulate and thank every athlete who tried out for or participated in a winter sports team. Being part of a 蜜桃视频 team is truly something special. The friendships, memories and lessons you gain last far beyond the season. Let鈥檚 carry this momentum into the spring term. We can鈥檛 wait to see what you accomplish next.

Go Gators!

Your Sports Prefects,

Izzy and Emma

Before the Buzzer: How Our Championship Season Was Built

Eudora Zhang

Hi everyone! My name is Eudora and I鈥檓 a member of the U13 D1 Basketball Team. This year, our team won the CAIS Basketball Championships 鈥� but our story started long before the final buzzer.

It began early on Friday mornings. While most students were still sleeping, our team was already in the gym, practising offensive transitions and lockdown defence. Those quiet mornings were challenging, but they taught us discipline, focus and how to trust each other under pressure 鈥� lessons that became the foundation of our season.

This year鈥檚 CAIS tournament was hosted at 蜜桃视频, with teams travelling from across Canada to compete. We entered the competition confident and prepared, winning our early games and growing stronger with each one.

The semi-final against BSS was intense and close from start to finish. Every possession mattered, and staying calm made the difference as we secured a 47鈥�42 win. Heading into the final against Collingwood School from British Columbia, we felt both nervous and excited. We started strong with aggressive defence and, in the third quarter, everything clicked. When the final buzzer sounded, we knew all the early mornings had been worth it.

Winning the CAIS championship was unforgettable 鈥� especially because it completed an undefeated season. I鈥檓 incredibly proud to represent 蜜桃视频 and grateful for my teammates鈥� resilience and support. Thank you to our coaches, Ms. Kaba and Coach Patrick, for pushing us every step of the way. This season showed us what can happen when preparation, hard work and belief come together.

Nordic Overnight Trip

Callie Slightham and Ainsley Nichols

Nordic skiing is the perfect way to push yourself while also having fun with your friends outside, but, at 蜜桃视频, it is pretty underground. We first tried Nordic last year and had a blast, especially on the overnight trip to Nordic Highlands in Collingwood. This year, wishing we had known about it earlier, we made sure to spread the word about how amazing this team is. For the overnight trip, we went with around 40 people from Grades 9 to 12. We all went up by bus and, upon arrival at the lodge, lessons were offered for beginners, but Nordic skiing is relatively easy to take up, so most of us just enjoyed the free ski time. Although we could have come inside at any time, everyone skied the whole afternoon. There are so many paths to take, suitable for everyone at any level, so it鈥檚 impossible to get bored. We developed a great love for the red loop, with its many steep ups and downs. Even though there were some falls, that鈥檚 what makes it so fun. These difficult yet rewarding three hours of skiing are followed by a team dinner at a restaurant and a comfortable stay at a local hotel to rest up for another day of skiing! 

蜜桃视频 Hockey Reflection from Two Rookies

Margo Phillips and Lucy Falconer

As Grade 9 rookies, being part of the D1 Varsity 蜜桃视频 Hockey Team has been one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. At the start of the season, we were both a little nervous trying out for a team with older players, but the graduating players made us feel welcome right away. They created a positive, fun environment where everyone felt included and part of something special. Whether it was in the dressing room, on the bus or during practices, they made every moment something we looked forward to and will always remember.

Winning Hockey Day was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our season. The support from the 蜜桃视频 community was incredible with friends, teachers and the Junior School all celebrating together, which made the moment even more meaningful. It felt like everything we had worked for as a team came together. The opportunity to showcase our sport in front of so many people we care about is both an honour and a privilege.

Qualifying for OFSAA, the provincial championship, was the icing on the cake. Beyond the games, it was the time spent together 鈥� laughing, talking and building friendships 鈥� that made this season so special. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive team and school community, and this is something we will never forget. Thank you 蜜桃视频 hockey for such an unforgettable season! 

2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics: Canadian Spotlight

Isabel Snare

蜜桃视频 students, faculty and staff tuned into the 2026 Olympic Games both inside and outside of the ivy walls this winter, cheering on Canadian athletes across a wide range of events.

Canada sent one of its largest teams in history to the Winter Games this year 鈥� 205 athletes across 14 sports 鈥� and placed 11th in overall medal standings, with a total of 21 medals earned.

Canada鈥檚 first gold medal of the Games was won in the dual mogul event by Mika毛l Kingsbury, after the country had previously gone several days without earning gold. This win initiated a slew of other gold medal achievements, including in men鈥檚 curling, women鈥檚 big air and men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 speed-skating, amounting to five total.

Canada also secured seven silver medals and nine bronze medals, with the most notable of these being the silver medals awarded to the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 hockey teams. Both gold medal games ended in dramatic overtime losses to the USA, but nonetheless the talent and sportsmanship displayed by the Canadian players was recognized globally. At 蜜桃视频, the women鈥檚 historical faceoff was celebrated with a red and white dress down day and the game was projected in classrooms and other spaces across campus.

Ultimately, Canada put up a strong effort this year at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, with several athletes receiving multiple medals. 蜜桃视频 is proud to be inspired by the athletes who represented our country, especially by the strong and courageous women who serve as inspirations to us all. Special shoutout to 蜜桃视频 Old Girl/Alum Ali Nullmeyer (Class of 2016), who competed in alpine skiing and finished 16th in the women鈥檚 slalom event!

Coach Spotlight: Sam Sui 鈥� U16 Badminton Coach

Kyra Daley

Coach Sam Sui started coaching the HC U16 Badminton team during the 2025-26 season. Sam is a recent Crescent School graduate and is currently attending U of T, where he plays badminton. He has played in numerous Badminton Ontario tournaments, most recently earning a silver medal in the Provincial A Championship. He shared that his go-to song before teaching or coaching heavily depends on how he鈥檚 feeling. While his music taste ranges from Japanese music to 21 savage, he comes back to one playlist when working out or prepping for matches. When he鈥檚 not on the badminton court, his favourite way to be active is playing any racket sport or volleyball, or going to the gym. Something he was looking forward to during the winter season was for his players to develop a genuine interest and passion for the sport of badminton. Furthermore, to enjoy the spirit of improvement and competition while understanding that results are secondary to maintaining a continued interest in the sport. 

While Sam is being a role model for his players, two of his role models are Lin Dan, because he has such an incredible physical ability that Sam strives to obtain. The second is Kevin Cordon,聽the Olympic 4th place from Tokyo 2020. Cordon is from Guatemala and beat all the dominant Asian countries on the grandes world stage at 34 years old. He comes from a tiny country with no support for badminton and no resources to compete, and his story is really inspirational about how someone can succeed despite the odds being stacked against him. Finally, we asked Sam about what he was enjoying being a coach at HC to which he replied with the incredible school culture, how kind the staff and teachers are and how everyone really tries to help one another improve. We are proud to have Sam here to share in our spirit and we can鈥檛 wait to see what he does next.

Message from the Upper School Athletics Director

Ms. Carla Di Filippo

The fall season kicked off with incredible excitement as we hosted our very first Friday Night Lights! Few things compare to the energy of 蜜桃视频 spirit on display at our sporting events. Under the bright lights of Ratcliffe Field, a sea of green and gold filled the sidelines, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Our U20 Soccer Team鈥檚 victory 鈥� and the capture of the Friday Night Light Cup 鈥� was the perfect way to cap off the night. This senior team went on to win the National CAIS Soccer tournament and are the Division 1 CISAA champs. An exceptional team, indeed. 

This fall, 蜜桃视频 athletes showcased their passion across every arena 鈥� racing through the pool; battling on the court; competing on the field in field hockey flag football and soccer; running the trails; and mastering the greens in disc golf. The joy of competition and the support teammates showed one another were on full display. 蜜桃视频 truly is a special place to compete.

Congratulations to our U13 Basketball and U15 Soccer Teams on their undefeated seasons and CISAA Championship titles! A huge shoutout as well to our U14 Cross Country Team, who are back-to-back CISAA Champions. We are so proud of all of our athletes and teams who represented 蜜桃视频 this fall!

Thank you to our 2025鈥�26 Sports Prefects 鈥� Emma and Izzy 鈥� along with the Sports Council, for getting the athletics season off to such a great start! From the Middle School Gator Games to Friday Night Lights and the Fall Athletics Assembly, you鈥檝e shown true Gator spirit every step of the way. Thank you for your leadership and enthusiasm! 

On Thursday, November 13, we celebrated the accomplishment of our fall athletics season at the awards assembly. It was here that each team announced their MVP and Coaches Award for the term. As well, two major awards were given out: The Friedland Cup (soccer) and The Doritty Trophy (field hockey). The full list of award recipients can be found . 

I look forward to the winter season!

Ms. Di Filippo 

Message from the Junior School Athletic Director: A Season of Excellence

Ms. Anna Bartlett

This fall delivered exceptional weather and outstanding athletic performances. Our students demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and commitment, showcasing both the breadth and depth of our athletics program 鈥� from squads to competitive teams. These quality programs continue to build the confidence and skills our students need for lifelong success.

Cross Country Championship Glory

More than 125 runners competed across our U9 and U12 Cross Country Teams this season. Our U9 Team hosted an inspiring, fun run that drew 350 participants across our stunning 22-acre campus.

The highlight of the season? Our U12 Cross Country Team captured the Overall Cross Country Championship 鈥� a tremendous achievement! Special recognition goes to our Grade 6 team, which placed an impressive seven athletes in the top 12 finishers. 

Congratulations to our top 12 finishers (out of more than 150 runners!): Sophie Polsinello, Sienna Manias, Halle Lamb, Camille Rizvi, Charlotte Goldthorpe, Brooke Brasseur, Ayla Coull, Emily Ke and Sydney Mullen.

Making Waves in Swimming

Our swimmers dove into competition with determination, narrowly missing the Bishop’s Cup Championship. Every participant gained valuable race experience, including diving off blocks and competing in a high-energy meet environment.

Building Skills on the Basketball Courts

Five basketball teams spanning Grades 4 to 6 developed their skills and teamwork throughout the season. Our U10 Teams celebrated first-time layups in game situations, while U12 Teams refined their rebounding and defensive strategies. The progress has been remarkable.

Dynamic Play on the Soccer Fields

Our U9 Soccer/Basketball Team embraced new skills with enthusiasm, while the U10 Team brought infectious energy to every match with spirited cheers and creative plays. Both U12 Teams demonstrated excellent teamwork and scoring opportunities throughout the season and at the final tournament. 

Looking Ahead

I am incredibly proud of every athlete’s dedication and honoured to work alongside coaches who are deeply invested in our students’ growth and development.

The excitement continues into the winter season with athletes on our Volleyball, Badminton, Multisport Swim and Hockey Teams who are ready to take the ice, courts and pool!

Ms. Bartlett

A Message from the Student Editor

Catherine T.

Hello everyone, and welcome to the fall 2025 Gator Zone newsletter! My name is Catherine and it is my pleasure to be this year’s Student Editor!聽

Throughout my five years at 蜜桃视频, sports have been a crucial part of my experience. I am so excited that I can focus my passion for sports and athletics through these newsletters in my senior year. The fall 2025 season showed the skill and power of 蜜桃视频 Athletics, with our first-ever Friday Night Lights, in partnership with Branksome Hall, being a kicking success. The Senior Soccer Team bringing home the win was electric, and everyone coming out in green and gold really made the atmosphere even better. 

I want to give a huge shout-out to the Sports Prefects, Izzy and Emma, who really do the utmost to keep up school spirit and participation in all things athletics. Gator Zone is meant to give an inside scoop into what the Gators are up to inside and outside of school athletics. We have some amazing athletes in our school whose accomplishments need to be acknowledged. I want to make a point of really getting to know the stories behind the 蜜桃视频 Gators, how they put the athlete in a student athlete and what their plans are for the future. 

I am so proud to be a part of Gator Zone this year, and I want to give a huge thanks to Ms. Di Filippo, Ms. Bartlett, Ms. Pink and all our Gator Zone writers who report on the world of athletics and who participated in the Fall sports teams. You guys have done a great job and I am so excited for the winter edition to come out. 

Catherine

Message from the Sports Prefects

Izzy and Emma

The leaves may be falling, but our HC teams are rising in the ranks this year! Hey Gators, as we wrap up the fall athletic term, we want to recognize the incredible achievements our school has accomplished in just one season. The excitement our athletes brought to every practice and competition was unmatched, and the energy from our supporters made every moment even more special.

A huge highlight of this term was the inaugural Friday Night Lights, an incredible event that showcased our talented athletes and shone a well-deserved spotlight on women in sport. The energy on campus was electric as the community came together under the lights, filling the stands and cheering on the Gators. It was a massive success, and we can鈥檛 wait to see this new tradition grow. This year, we also brought back Athlete of the Week, nominated by teammates from Grades 7 to 12. It has been a total success, strengthening our sense of community and giving well-earned recognition to athletes who inspire those around them. To keep everyone in the loop, weekly game schedules are posted every Monday on our Instagram account, leading to bigger crowds, louder cheers and even more Gator pride at our home games.

Many teams went above and beyond this season. Congratulations to the U20 Soccer Team, who were crowned CAIS National Champions and CISAA Champions this fall, and to the U14 Soccer Team, who placed third at CAIS. A special shoutout must go to our rowers. Our Women鈥檚 U17 4 trained intensely, six days a week, and earned a silver medal at Head of the Trent before taking on the world鈥檚 largest regatta, the Head of the Charles in Boston. Despite being one of the youngest crews in an 86-boat field, they powered to an incredible 26th-place finish, requalifying 蜜桃视频 for next year and making us all extremely proud.

This fall also marked the start of House Intramurals, where all 10 Houses faced off in volleyball. The friendly competition was filled with spirit, teamwork and so much joy as students came out ready to represent their Houses with pride. The energy in the gym was contagious, and it was amazing to see such strong participation across all grades.

Finally, we want to congratulate and thank every athlete who tried out for or participated in a fall sports team. Being on a 蜜桃视频 team is an experience like no other: the friendships, memories and connections you build truly last a lifetime. Let鈥檚 carry this momentum and spirit into the winter season. We still have two exciting terms ahead, and we know you will continue to amaze us with your dedication, skill and Gator pride.

Go Gators!

Your Sports Prefects,

Izzy and Emma

The Success of 蜜桃视频鈥檚 First Friday Night Lights Event

Audrea Au-Provonost

This year, 蜜桃视频 partnered with Branksome Hall to host its first ever Friday Night Lights, also known as FNL. This year, Friday Night Lights featured an intense varsity soccer game between the 蜜桃视频 Gators and the Branksome Highlanders. There was much anticipation for the game between the announcements in Prayers and posts on Instagram and everyone was ready to cheer on our U20 Soccer Team. 

From the first whistle, our Gators proved they were ready to make history. Meredith Howard scored within the first 11 minutes, igniting the crowd in a deafening roar. The 蜜桃视频 fans were ready to show their pride and came decked out in green and gold, screaming their hearts out. The 蜜桃视频 Soccer Team was a dominating presence and finished with an impressive score of 10 to 0. FNL also featured an outstanding halftime show, which featured our 蜜桃视频 cheerleaders performing an exciting dance that kept everyone captivated.

This event also marked a milestone in female athletics as it is the first Friday Night Lights highlighting female sports teams. Seeing two different communities come out to support female athletes was both powerful and inspiring. 

The bright lights beaming onto the field, the echoes of the crowd and pride in our community created a memory that will be remembered for years to come as the first FNL event 蜜桃视频 hosted. The future of female athletics is looking bright and the anticipation for next year’s Friday Night Lights has already begun. 

Reflections from The Head of The Charles

Emma Hounsome

The Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, also known as the most prestigious regatta in the world, was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I had the privilege of rowing with four other incredible, hardworking young women who, despite our many challenges, continued to show up at 5:30 every morning with the collective understanding that we were going to push ourselves past our limits, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem. When our crew came together, we rowed not only for ourselves but for each other, which is what made us unstoppable. These girls, who were once only my teammates, had become my family and had taught me the true meaning of what it means to show up for others. Rowing beside some of the best crews in the world, we were able to hold our own and prove to ourselves that, despite being a U17 boat in a U19 category, we could come 27th out of almost 90 boats. It was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. Crews from top D1 universities like Yale and Harvard were competing on the same river as us, sponsors and vendors filled the streets, and bridges had packed crowds shoulder-to-shoulder watching each crew row past. The atmosphere was incomparable to any other race any of us had ever rowed before. The Head of the Charles had marked the end of my first full year rowing at 蜜桃视频 and had helped me realize that rowing isn鈥檛 just a sport to me, it鈥檚 a way of life.

Vivian Johnston

The Head of the Charles Regatta, set in Boston, is pretty much the biggest rowing event in the world. It was also one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I had seen photos and videos before, but nothing prepared me for what it actually felt like to be there, with thousands of athletes everywhere, crowds lining the river, boats weaving through bridges, and this crazy mix of nerves and excitement in the air. Some practices felt impossible, the kind where every stroke hurt and the boat felt heavier than ever. But something always clicked when we rowed together. We weren鈥檛 just five people in a boat. We were a crew. My teammates went from being people I rowed with to being people I know I can always trust, laugh with and lean on. They taught me what it means to show up for others and to know what it鈥檚 like to be counted on. I was lucky to row with four other amazing ladies who worked harder than anyone I know, who showed up every day ready to push. Our two coaches were the same, right there beside us every single morning 鈥� no matter the weather 鈥� encouraging us, motivating us and refusing to let us give up on ourselves. Racing the Charles was absolutely unreal. We were one of the youngest crews in our division, racing a U-17 boat in the U-19 category. Instead of being intimidated, we proved we could keep up with and even beat some of the best juniors in North America. Crossing that finish line was the most exhilarating experience, and I鈥檓 so glad to have done it with these amazing people and for my school, 蜜桃视频.

Grade 9 Biathlon

Radhika Goenka

The biathlon is a major component of the Grade 9 Physical Education course because it introduces us to the end-of-year triathlon and helps us understand how physical fitness skills like accuracy, coordination, focus and balance contribute to success and lifelong active living.

The biathlon is structured so that Grade 9 students first run a 400m course around Ratcliffe Field, then they get four attempts at one of the following stations: Nerf gun shooting, bean bag toss and frisbee disc throw. Each missed attempt adds a 50m penalty lap. Undertaking the biathlon is no small feat, challenging everyone to complete as many laps as possible while still staying accurate under pressure.

Though I enjoy playing various sports, by no means do I consider myself a runner. I was dreading the biathlon from the moment Ms. Lau introduced it. My only comfort was that we were all doing it together. 

After several training days practising pacing and improving our skills, we each made progress. My biggest challenge (shockingly) was running. But race day came, and with it the support from my peers and the memory of all our preparation. I ran, each stride a fight, but pushed through and managed to complete eight laps within the time. I remember collapsing on the grass afterwards, exhausted but proud.

A unit like the biathlon teaches us how to persevere. It shows that with practice and support, we can overcome challenges and push beyond what we think we can do.

Success and Sportsmanship in Women鈥檚 Rugby

Isabel Snare

Women鈥檚 rugby has experienced a recent surge in popularity across the globe, with rates of attendance and viewership rising higher than ever for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. In fact, a study conducted by World Rugby finds that 49% of current women鈥檚 rugby fans started following the league within the past two years, a true testament to the impact of the increased media visibility they have received.

In particular, the Canadian women鈥檚 rugby team has seen massive growth in their fanbase, a response that is truly merited given their exceptional performance throughout the 2025 season. The team continuously made headlines as they carved their path to the final, remaining undefeated as they secured win after win. Despite losing 13 to 33 to England in the closing match, the silver medal awarded to the Canadian team yielded national glory and celebration.

While every try earned and match won is a triumph worth cheering for, perhaps most incredible of all is the sportsmanship displayed on the field. Every player demonstrates a clear sense of teamwork alongside respect for their fellow competitors. Across women鈥檚 rugby, the caliber of the competition has been proven to be just as uplifting as it is fierce.

At 蜜桃视频, our U14 and U20 Rugby Teams chase after wins (and the ball) with grit and grace. Through rainy practices and muddy matches, they are continuously inspired by the professional women in their sport, of whom the world has finally begun to recognize.

Staff Spotlight: Sophia Khikhlovskyy

Catherine Tassone

HC is so happy to welcome Sophia Khikhlovskyy to the Athletics Department, whose passion for sports goes above and beyond the classroom. 

When asked what she likes most about HC so far, she said it’s the community. Specifically, its dedication and energy to athletics. 鈥淔rom innovative facilities to programs that challenge students to grow in skill, teamwork and resilience, HC provides every opportunity for student athletes to shine. As a teacher, it鈥檚 inspiring to watch and support students as they push their limits, celebrate their victories and build confidence both on and off the field.鈥� She shared that Hockey Day is the event she鈥檚 anticipating the most this winter, noting, 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to experience the energy 蜜桃视频 brings to its athletes.鈥�

Ms. Khikhlovskyy鈥檚 favourite activities are playing pickleball and going for hikes, but her favourite sport to play and to coach is soccer. She is a big fan of the soccer player Tanya Boychuk, a proud Ukrainian-Canadian athlete who currently plays for the Montr茅al Roses. Before joining Montr茅al, Boychuk played college soccer at the University of Memphis, competed professionally in Iceland and, most recently, was called up to the Ukraine women鈥檚 national team. Aside from being known for her impressive celebration backflips on the field, Tanya Boychuk is a true inspiration. She is a role model for Ms. Khikhlovskyy, demonstrating how resilience, ambition and pride in your identity can make anything possible.