Libby Hogg’s standout career with the UVic Vikes women’s field hockey team reached new heights last week when she was named the President’s Cup champion, one of the university's most prestigious athletic awards.
The cup is awarded annually to a fourth- or fifth-year student-athlete who excels both academically and athletically.
Hogg, a fourth-year defender, was recognized not only for her achievements on the field but also for her leadership and academic excellence.
"There were two other really great nominees, so to hear my name was really special," she said. "Knowing others voted for me made it even more meaningful. The crowd was amping me up, and I just thought, ‘Wow, this is really special.’”
Erin Epp of the women's swimming team and Elissa Frielink of the women's cross country and track team were also nominated.
The award is determined by votes from UVic’s athletics leadership, coaches, and staff.
Hogg’s resume speaks for itself: she is a two-time U SPORTS All-Canadian, two-time Canada West All-Star, and a four-time national and conference champion. She was named a U SPORTS Women’s Field Hockey Tournament All-Star this past season and currently competes with the Canadian women’s national team. Off the field, she is a three-time Academic All-Canadian.
She credits much of her success to the strong team culture at UVic.
"Being part of this team is so special. We’re a tight-knit group, and that’s a big reason for our success," she said. "My personal achievements wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates.”
Hogg’s field hockey journey began at Oak Bay High, where she developed her skills through Victoria’s Spring League and the Rising Stars program – both of which she now gives back to as a coach. She credits her long-time coach, Krista Thompson, for helping her grow in the sport.
Her path hasn’t been without challenges. A torn ACL in Grade 12 threatened to derail her progress, but she stayed determined.
“It was physically and mentally taxing,” she said. “I treated my recovery like a new sport. Growing up, I played a bunch of different sports, but with the ACL rehab, I had to shift my focus completely. Some days were really tough, but I just took it day by day.”
Now, she has her sights set on the national stage. She is training with the Canadian women’s national team and hopes to earn a spot on their roster.
“This week is our first camp of the year,” Hogg said. “There will be more camps throughout the summer leading up to the Pan Ams, so I’m hoping to crack that squad. Just having the opportunity to go to these sessions is exciting.”
Hogg is set to complete her degree in Recreation and Health this December, with three courses remaining in the fall. Beyond university, she hopes to continue competing at the national level while exploring career options.
While she has played across Canada, nothing compares to a matchup against UVic’s biggest rival.
“UBC is always an intense game,” she said. “There’s so much history and competition between us, so those games are always high stakes.”
Asked to describe her playing style, Hogg kept it simple.
“I’d say I’m pretty calm and composed, but in high-stakes moments, I step up and create opportunities.”
With a decorated career behind her and an exciting future ahead, Hogg’s legacy at UVic is cemented – not just as a national champion, but as a leader and role model in the Vikes community.
