When Sophie Hepner joined the University of Victoria in the fall of 2022 and later stepped onto the field with the Vikes in 2023, she brought with her a mindset built around versatility, work ethic, and team commitment. Over the past three seasons, she has contributed in nearly every way possible…as a pitcher, outfielder, designated player, leader, and academic standout. That flexibility has become one of the defining parts of her game. Whether she was stepping into the circle, covering ground in the outfield, or delivering at the plate, Sophie consistently found ways to contribute wherever the team needed her.
Her numbers reflect that consistency. Across 83 games, she has posted a .400 batting average with 96 hits and 76 RBIs, while also pitching 272 innings and maintaining a .953 fielding percentage across primarily pitcher and outfield roles. But statistics alone don’t tell the full story of how she approaches the game.
From the moment the team began building its identity together, the focus was always on collective support. “It has been made very clear from the moment we created our team culture that we are each other’s biggest supporters and that we put the team first,” Sophie stated. That philosophy shaped how Sophie approached everything: practices, games, academics, and leadership.
In a young program continuing to grow in the WCSA, Sophie quickly established herself as one of the Vikes’ most reliable contributors. Her accomplishments over three seasons include WCSA Rookie of the Year in 2023, First Team All-Star Utility honours in both 2023 and 2025, and being named WCSA Most Outstanding Player in 2025. That same season she was also recognized as a Second Team All-Star Pitcher, highlighting just how many roles she filled for the team.
Alongside her athletic success, Sophie maintained a strong academic record, earning WCSA All-Academic honours in both 2024 and 2025 while balancing the demands of travel, training, and competition. For her, that balance has always come back to the people around her. “I could be a great softball player, but that would only go so far if I didn’t have the people who are always keeping my head held high and holding me accountable. I am able to be a better leader because I know I have an entire team that will hold me accountable and trust me to put the team first.” That shared accountability has helped define how she approaches leadership.
In 2025, Sophie was named to the Vikes Leadership Team, a recognition that reflected the trust she had built with both teammates and coaches. But leadership, in her eyes, isn’t something that only shows up during games. “For me, being a good leader goes beyond the field of play, and I understand how important it is to demonstrate this by bringing it into every aspect of my life.” That mindset shows up in the classroom, in workouts, and especially in the community work she has embraced during her time with the program.
Beyond competition, Sophie has dedicated countless hours to working with young athletes through pitching clinics, catcher skills camps, Pro-D day programming, and summer development sessions. For many young players in the community, she has become both an instructor and a role model. “I love giving back to the softball community and helping the next generation of athletes realize their potential. Whenever I coach or lead a camp and see the athletes improve, I feel so happy to be a small part of their softball journey.”
Those experiences have played a significant role in shaping her plans after graduation.
After completing her undergraduate degree this spring, Sophie will return to school to pursue her teaching credentials, a path influenced heavily by her experiences as both a student-athlete and mentor. “I know that I lead with the team in mind, which is why being empathetic and adaptable matters so much.”
As she prepares to graduate, Sophie’s proudest takeaway isn’t tied to awards or statistics. “I am truly most proud of how I have grown as a person and athlete over the past three years.” Her time with the Vikes has been about development…learning how to balance competition, academics, leadership, and community involvement while continuing to enjoy the sport that brought it all together. And when she thinks about what she hopes others take away from her example, the message is simple:
“The main message I want current and future athletes on [the] Vikes and in the softball community to take from the standard I’ve helped set is that, alongside hard work and dedication, enjoying the sport and having fun can take you very far.”
