Thunder Cracks On The National Stage
Led by Gadeer Sobh and captains Emma Ward and Vanessa Pietramala, the Thunder Women’s soccer team has seen immense success in the 24/25 season, capturing the program’s first championship in over a decade. Following a successful playoff run, where the Thunder defeated the unbeaten SAIT Trojans in the gold medal match, the team was off to the CCAA National Championship in Squamish, British Columbia, chasing the ultimate title. Upon arrival, the tournament was opened with a welcome banquet, hosted and organized by Capilano University of North Vancouver where fifth-year midfielder Vanessa Pietramala was named to the CCAA All-Canadian squad for the second consecutive year.
Entering the tournament, the Thunder had a stunning 11-0-1 record, which cemented them as top competitors. The first game for the Thunder commenced on Wednesday, November 6th as the Thunder took on the Mount Saint-Vincent Mystics from Nova Scotia. With a record of 8-0-4, it is clear that the clear favorites were the Thunder going into this ACAC, ACAA matchup. After 90 minutes of play, and a scoreless tie, the Thunder take the game by a score of 4-2 in penalty kicks. On a high after day one, the Thunder looked to repeat on Thursday against the 2022 National Champions, Les Aigles D’Ahuntsic. However, after a hard-fought battle, the Thunder fell short after a 1-0 loss. Although disheartening, commentators and viewers both stated that this matchup was the best the tournament had seen, and family and friends watching at home extended their congratulations. Day three of the tournament brought about some troubles as the Thunder dealt with devastating injuries to key players and fatigue after a long season. The Thunder saw a 4-1 loss to the Vancouver Island University Mariners from Vancouver Island in the bronze medal semi-final, ending their tournament early and earning them a sixth-place ranking at the 2024 CCAA National Championship. Although not the result the women had hoped for, the Thunder consistently cracked the CCAA’s Top Ten Rankings since the beginning of their season; an impressive accomplishment as they look to build going into next season.
After losing a plethora of veteran players and hiring a new head coach between the 2023/2024 seasons, the women’s soccer program was shrouded with uncertainty, but to say they overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles is an understatement. Without a championship title in over a decade, the women’s soccer team has reignited excitement around CUE athletics and highlighted the caliber of athletes that CUE possesses along with exemplifying achievement in women’s sports.
Receiving all-conference awards were third-year goalkeeper Madison Kempster, first-year defender Mallory McDonald-Cockrall, and fifth-year midfielder Vanessa Pietramala. Pietramala also being named ACAC North Player of the Year. With each of these players contributing greatly to the success of their program, head coach Gadeer Sobh was named ACAC North Coach of the Year, leading her squad to a championship title.
The 2025 CCAA National Championships are being hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic, a familiar foe in the ACAC, and the Thunder are looking to book their ticket back to play on the national stage and bring home another banner.
