A Pitt Meadows rugby standout will be honoured with an award in her name, given to players in the University of Victoria Vikes program.
The Soleil Brooks Vikes Women’s Rugby Award has been created to ensure the program continues to grow in inclusivity, opportunity and strength, and it will be given to a women’s varsity player who identifies as Black, Indigenous or a person of colour.
“Graduating athlete Soleil Brooks leaves the Vikes rugby program as more than just the most capped player in our history, she departs as a true builder of legacy,” said the announcement.
“Her commitment to the jersey and program’s culture has set a standard that will impact generations of Vikes to come.”
Award recipients will be selected on the basis of work ethic, commitment, and performance.
“Creating an AFA (athletic financial award) in my name is more that just my individual legacy with the Vikes, but about ensuring a future for BIPOC athletes on the women’s rugby team,” said Brooks. “This award provides support directly to future BIPOC leaders, giving them support they need to thrive in the classroom and on the field.”
“Having an AFA helped me be able to focus more time into being a student athlete, and relieved the amplified pressures that BIPOC student athletes face,” Brooks added. “Being a recipient of the Marlene Donaldson Award also showed me what black female leaders can do in this space, and inspired by to pursue establishing another AFA.”
Brooks was also honoured earlier in her university career for starting the UVic Collective for BIPOC Student Athletes, to give them a space to connect, and to mentor young black athletes in the Victoria area.
Brooks is on to her next adventure. After getting degrees in Indigenous studies and history, and is pursuing a goal of playing rugby in New Zealand.