The 2025–26 Pronghorns Athletics season was defined by growth, resilience, and standout performances across all programs. From record-breaking achievements on the national stage to the development of young rosters and the introduction of new leadership, this year showcased the strength and potential of Pronghorn student-athletes. As each team navigated its own journey, a common thread of competitiveness, connection, and commitment to excellence carried throughout the season. Below is a snapshot of how each program performed and the milestones that shaped their year.
Men's Basketball
The 2025–26 season for the Pronghorns men's basketball team was defined by resilience, connection, and steady growth, culminating in a 7–13 record that reflected both challenges and progress. The year began with a strong emphasis on team culture, highlighted by a successful preseason golf tournament that strengthened alumni ties and a team-building camping trip in Montana that set the tone for a connected group. Throughout the season, the team demonstrated a competitive edge, consistently battling through adversity and remaining engaged in close contests.
Despite facing the challenge of key injuries at critical moments, the Pronghorns showed determination and grit. Signature wins, including a long-awaited home victory over the Manitoba Bisons and a season-ending triumph against the Alberta Golden Bears, showcased the team's ability to compete at a high level regardless of playoff implications. These moments underscored a collective mindset rooted in perseverance and pride.
Growth was evident both on and off the court. Players stepped into expanded roles and delivered impactful performances, while the team also made notable strides in strength development and academic success. Leadership from captains and senior players played a vital role in maintaining focus and fostering accountability, contributing to a positive and hardworking environment.
While the record may not fully capture the team's progress, the foundation built this season is significant. With a strong core returning and a commitment to improving depth and health, the Pronghorns are well-positioned to take the next step toward playoff success and a deeper postseason run in the years ahead.
Women's Basketball
The Pronghorns women's basketball team navigated a transitional 2025–26 season, finishing with a 5–15 record while laying important groundwork for future success. With the addition of seven new players, the team embraced a period of change that brought both challenges and opportunities for growth. As the season progressed, players adapted to expanded roles, leading to increased confidence and several career-best performances.
Among the standout moments was a remarkable individual effort from Piper Dobbelsteyn, whose 33-point performance against the Brandon Bobcats ranked among the best single-game outputs in program history. Veteran leadership also left a lasting impact, as graduating players cemented their places in the record books. Abby Stonehocker concluded her career among the program's top rebounders, while Kamryn DeKlerk finished as one of the most impactful defensive players in team history.
While results did not always reflect the team's effort, the Pronghorns demonstrated competitiveness throughout the season, pushing several nationally ranked opponents in tightly contested games. This ability to compete at a high level, even in difficult circumstances, highlighted the team's growth and potential.
The season ultimately served as a building year, with a focus on development, cohesion, and establishing identity. With a strong group of returning players and valuable experience gained, the Pronghorns are poised to build on this foundation and take meaningful steps forward in the coming seasons.
Men's Soccer
The Pronghorns men's soccer team delivered one of its most impressive campaigns in recent history, finishing with a 5-3-7 record and securing third place in the Canada West Prairie Division. Just four points shy of first place, the season marked a significant step forward for a program that embraced an underdog mentality under the leadership of a new head coach and exceeded expectations.
A key storyline was the team's offensive resurgence, more than doubling its goal output from the previous year while maintaining one of the top defensive records in the conference. This balance was achieved through a true team effort, with contributions coming from across the lineup. The integration of a large rookie class proved to be a defining strength, as first-year players logged significant minutes and played critical roles throughout the season.
Several pivotal moments shaped the team's identity, including a commanding 3–0 road victory over Mount Royal that signaled the Pronghorns' emergence as contenders. Equally memorable was a dramatic 96th-minute equalizer against Thompson Rivers, a moment that energized the group and reinforced their belief. The team's postseason performance further highlighted its potential, pushing a top-ranked Victoria squad to penalties in the quarterfinals.
Leadership from senior players was instrumental in guiding a young roster through a demanding season, particularly in adapting to a new coaching philosophy and system. The team's commitment to high-intensity training and collective growth translated into consistent performances and a strong sense of unity.
With a solid foundation established and valuable experience gained, the Pronghorns are well-positioned to continue closing the gap and competing for top honors in Canada West.
Women's Soccer
The Pronghorns women's soccer team endured a challenging 2025–26 season, finishing with a 0-13-1 record, but demonstrated meaningful growth, resilience, and belief throughout the campaign under the direction of a new head coach. From the outset, the team committed to implementing a new style of play, focusing on structure, control, and long-term development.
The season began on a positive note with a competitive opening weekend against Alberta, where the team earned a point and a clean sheet, setting an early standard for defensive organization. Throughout the year, the Pronghorns showed their ability to compete with top teams, highlighted by strong performances against Calgary and Grant MacEwan, where they pushed opponents deep into matches and, at times, held the lead.
Individually, key contributions came from players such as Lisa Popp, whose impact on both sides of the ball was significant, and goalkeeper Kate Prince, whose 110 saves consistently kept the team in contention. The emergence of young players, alongside the adaptation of returning athletes to a new system, underscored the team's commitment to growth.
While goal scoring proved to be a persistent challenge, the team created increasing opportunities as the season progressed, reflecting improved understanding and execution of their approach. Off the field, the development of a strong, unified culture became a defining success, with players embracing new standards and supporting one another through adversity.
Though results were difficult, the foundation established this season provides a clear path forward. With continued development and a focus on consistency, the Pronghorns are building toward more competitive outcomes in the seasons ahead.
Though results were difficult, the foundation established this season provides a clear path forward. With continued development and a focus on consistency, the Pronghorns are building toward more competitive outcomes in the seasons ahead.
Women's Rugby
The Pronghorns women's rugby team experienced an up-and-down 2025–26 season, finishing with a 3-4-1 record while demonstrating steady development and strong potential for the future. The year was marked by moments of high-level performance alongside periods of inconsistency, ultimately reflecting a young squad working to establish its identity.
A defining moment came in the final regular season match against the Calgary Dinos, where the team delivered a complete performance that showcased their capabilities. This game served as a turning point, reinforcing the progress made and the standard the group is capable of achieving. Earlier in the season, a strong second-half showing against the Victoria Vikes also highlighted the team's ability to compete with top opponents.
With a roster featuring a significant number of rookies and second-year players, growth and development were central themes. The team made notable strides in building connection and accountability, aligning more closely with its core values as the season progressed. This emphasis on culture translated into improved cohesion both on and off the field.
Senior players and graduating athletes played an important role in guiding the team through this transitional phase, setting the tone for future success. Their contributions leave a lasting impact on the program as the next generation continues to develop.
Looking ahead, the Pronghorns are focused on translating their potential into consistent performance, with clear goals of becoming the top team in Alberta and competing for a Canada West podium finish. The foundation built this season positions them well for continued growth.
Track and Field
The Pronghorns track and field team delivered a record-breaking and exhilarating 2025–26 season, highlighted by exceptional performances on the national stage. Competing in one of the deepest and most competitive fields in recent history, the team rose to the challenge with resilience and determination.
The U SPORTS Championships served as the pinnacle of the season, where Jinaye Shomachuk made history with the farthest throw ever recorded in women's weight throw, earning a national gold medal and U SPORTS Female Field Event Athlete of the Year honours. She added a silver medal in shot put, capping off a remarkable individual campaign. Additional podium finishes from Lauchlan Irish in the triple jump and Kimoya Edwards in the 60m hurdles further underscored the team's national competitiveness.
Collectively, the women's team achieved a top-10 national ranking, finishing ninth overall, a testament to the program's depth and consistency. Throughout the season, athletes demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure, embracing the concept of "performance on demand" in high-stakes environments.
Leadership from captains and senior athletes played a key role in fostering a disciplined and supportive team culture, emphasizing both athletic excellence and academic success. The team's unity and commitment to improvement were evident in both competition and training.
As the program looks ahead, the focus remains on building upon its dominance in throwing events while developing greater depth across track disciplines. With a strong culture and proven success at the national level, the Pronghorns are well-positioned for continued excellence.
Swimming
The Pronghorns swimming program delivered a season defined by togetherness, improvement, and heart, highlighted by record-breaking performances and strong showings on both the conference and national stage. Competing in the highly competitive Canada West conference, the team rose to the occasion, most notably while hosting the Canada West Championships. Racing in front of a home crowd provided a unique boost, and the Pronghorns responded with a top-four overall finish on both the men's and women's sides, holding their own against some of the nation's top programs.
The women's team led the way in rewriting the record books, breaking all five Pronghorns relay records and setting a new standard for the program. In total, the team established 12 new school records across individual and relay events, with 11 coming from the women's side. Several of these records had stood for more than two decades, underscoring the significance of this achievement. At the national level, Tristan Bennett delivered a standout performance, finishing fourth and narrowly missing the podium, while multiple swimmers contributed scoring swims and relay success at U SPORTS Championships.
Despite a relatively small roster and the challenge of integrating eight rookies into the varsity environment, the team demonstrated resilience and steady growth throughout the season. The loss of key veterans was met with emerging leadership, particularly from the women's team, whose mentorship both within the program and in the broader swimming community became a defining strength.
Beyond competition, the Pronghorns excelled academically and in community engagement, with numerous Academic All-Canadians and strong involvement in local swim programs. From preseason team-building activities to shared moments in and out of the pool, the foundation of this team remained its unity. With clear goals set for continued progress, including top-10 national finishes, the program is well-positioned to build on this year's momentum.
As the Pronghorns Athletics school year comes to a close, the department looks ahead to celebrating these achievements at the annual Blue and Gold Awards Banquet on April 9. The event will recognize the outstanding accomplishments of student-athletes, coaches, and teams who made this season memorable.
