GUELPH, Ont. – Expectations remain high for the Gryphons field hockey team as they begin their 2025 OUA season on Saturday (Sept. 20) when they host the York Lions. The Gryphons had a stellar 2024 campaign that saw them finish the regular season with a record of 7-1-2, en route to capturing the OUA silver medal. The 2025 OUA field hockey season consists of eight teams from across the province, playing 10 games with the top four teams advancing to the OUA Field Hockey Final Four on October 26 to 27 with the provincial champion advancing to the 2025 U SPORTS Field Hockey Championships in Charlottetown, PEI from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
"We are excited about the combination of returning athletes and the addition of new recruits," said head coach
Michelle Turley, a two-time national coach of the year who now heads into her 22nd season in charge of the Gryphons field hockey program. "We anticipate good things to happen when we remain healthy and play to our strengths throughout the season."
Forwards
Third-year forward
Sophie Pomeroy will help ignite the Gryphons front line this season. Pomeroy (Halifax, NS) had a breakout season a year ago, scoring 5 goals with two being game-winners. The bio-medical science major has shown the ability to finish inside the circle and can create scoring opportunities which makes her a threat up front. Fellow third-year forward
Madison Martin (Elmira, ON) is also back with the team after starting in all 10 games for her side last season as her speed and endurance will help the Gryphons maintain pressure in the offensive zone.
Midfield
The Gryphon midfield is led team captain Abby Warriner, going into her final season with the team.
The biomedical engineering major is a three time All-Canadian and was recently named U SPORTS and OUA Player of the Year for 2024. The Newmarket native is the strength and power of the Gryphons midfield and is a precise tackler who uses her excellent vision and anticipation to make quick decisions under pressure allowing her side to not only maintain possession but drive the attack. Warriner, during her national Player of the Year season a year ago, also scored 4 goals. Fourth-year midfielder
Harper Griffin returns to solidify the middle. The 2022 OUA Rookie of the Year scored a goal for the team last year and will play a pivotal role in setting up scoring opportunities for the attackers. The molecular biology and genetics major is known for her speed which allows her to go from circle-to-circle as she is able to play her way around tight spaces.
Liv Straus is an incoming rookie set to make a significant impact for the Gryphons in 2025. The Heidelberg, Ontario native has good field awareness, is adept at dribbling and plays with great intensity.
Defence
A trio of third-year defenders return to the U of G backline.
Ella Rideout is the leader and quarterback of the Gryphons defence. The North Vancouver native leads with poise and confidence and is effective in shutting down the opponent's top attackers as she is able to utilize her skills, smarts, and game sense. Another key anchor returns to the team in
Kaitlyn Hyatt. The Breslau, Ontario native started in all 10 of her team's games last season. The biological science major is an excellent distributor of the ball and has top level elimination skills .
Amy Dueck is back to help solidify the defence, with the criminal justice and public policy major providing a physical presence for her team. First-year defender
Carmen Van Kuringe comes to Guelph from the Netherlands and is a great tackler with excellent vision and has high-quality distribution skills.
Goalies
Sophomore goalie
Katharine Flye is coming off a great indoor season where she worked hard on her game. The Victoria, BC native appeared in 3 games for the team and started in one game where she earned a shutout.
The Gryphons are set to open the 2025 season with three straight home games, beginning this weekend when they host the York Lions on Saturday (Sept. 20) in their season opener and the Toronto Varsity Blues on Sunday (Sept. 21). Both matches are scheduled for 11am from the Gryphon Soccer Complex.
