University of Victoria's (UVIC) Fin Tugwell has taken another major step in his soccer career, signing a CPL-U Sports contract with Pacific FC.
The 22-year-old defender will join the Langford-based club while continuing his civil engineering studies at the University of Victoria.
Tugwell’s journey to professional soccer wasn’t conventional. Unlike many university recruits, he wasn’t initially scouted but chose UVic for its reputation and lifestyle.
In his first year at UVic, he attended preseason tryouts and earned a spot as a redshirt. By his third year, he had become a key figure in the Vikes’ backline.
In 2023, he was named a Canada West second-team all-star, appearing in 18 games for the Vikes.
Last season was an even bigger jump for the centre-back: he earned the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year award and was honoured as a U Sports first-team all-Canadian.
"I like to consider myself a smart player, and I love the buildup play and creating things from the back," Tugwell said on his playing style.
His calmness under pressure, ability to read the game, and precise passing made him one of the top defenders in university soccer. Those qualities caught the attention of Pacific FC, who selected him 12th overall in the 2024 CPL-U Sports Draft.
Tugwell found out about his selection in a setting that reflected his balance between soccer and academics.
“I tuned into the draft while I was in the library studying, and next thing you know, I saw my name and couldn’t have been more excited," Tugwell said.
The CPL-U Sports contract gives student-athletes professional experience while keeping their university eligibility. Tugwell sees it as an important path for players like himself.
“The fact that it’s now a pathway, an opportunity for younger players to be on a university team, get experience in a professional environment while also continuing your studies and getting a degree – I think it’s quite amazing," Tugwell explained.
Since joining Pacific FC for preseason training, he has already made an impression.
“Fin has really impressed us this preseason,” said Pacific FC head coach James Merriman. “He’s come in with a great attitude and approach to the game. He’s got good qualities as a central defender and shows real potential at this level.”
One of those impressions came at a preseason match between UVic and PFC.
"Over the last few years, I’ve been on the other side, so it was interesting to switch roles," Tugwell said. "Overall, it's an incredible opportunity to play a game like this on the Island between two local teams."
Balancing soccer and academics hasn’t been easy. Tugwell is currently completing a work term in civil engineering while training with the Tridents as much as possible.
“I’m basically working a 9-to-5 full-time job, but the company has been very flexible. I’ve been attending one to two training sessions a week with Pacific and any commitments on the weekends.”
Once his work term ends, he’ll transition to full-time with PFC before returning to UVic for another season in the fall.
The fourth-year engineering student also has his sights set on the 2026 U Sports National Championship, with the Vikes playing host.
"That is going to be such a cool experience to be a part of. The whole team was excited when we heard the announcement," Tugwell said.
The Tridents will open their regular season on April 5 against Winnipeg's Valour FC.
