3 days Ago By By Thomas Friesen
Offence wins games and championships, too, when Jorja Hoad is part of the attack. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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Offence wins games and championships, too, when Jorja Hoad is part of the attack. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Offence wins games and championships, too, when Jorja Hoad is part of the attack. As she has her whole life in sports, the speedy striker left opponents in the dust nearly every game, leading the Brandon University women on their best-ever run through the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference soccer and futsal seasons.
Hoad hoisted a trophy in October, another in March, and a third on Thursday. Jorja Hoad was named the Brandon University most outstanding female athlete for 2024-25 on Thursday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun) She was named BU’s most outstanding female athlete — the second soccer player to win the award after Ashley Robinson received it in 2024.
“I was so surprised. We have so many incredible student-athletes so to be chosen is incredible,” Hoad said. “It’s incredible to follow in (Robinson’s) footsteps.
I think we’ve had two very successful seasons, and we do it together as a team and I couldn’t do it without every single person on our team.” Hoad was a star striker for Westman FC growing up. She added track and field to her repertoire and excelled, training with Prairie Storm Athletics and capturing provincial gold medals in sprints.
The former Vincent Massey Viking joined the Bobcats in 2021. She took a few years to get back up to speed but scored her first goal in 2023 and — like she was taught on the track — never looked back. Hoad netted 11 goals that year while starting just two games.
“I hope other people see that I started on this team as a redshirt, didn’t play at all my first year, barely played myself second year due to so many factors like injuries,” Hoad said. “Even if you don’t come out as a top recruit or a starter, there’s always room to grow and find the confidence and ability within yourself to keep moving forward.” Hoad claimed the MCAC soccer scoring title in 2024, netting 15 goals in 14 games while adding three assists.
She powered the Bobcats to the top seed for the playoffs, then drew the penalty kick that opened the scoring in BU’s 2-1 final victory over Providence. While Brandon didn’t win a game at nationals, it bounced back to finish first in the futsal regular season, then claim its first-ever championship in the five-on-five indoor game. Hoad scored twice in a 6-2 win over the five-time defending champion St.
Boniface Les Rouges. Hoad has had as many head coaches as she’s played seasons at BU and felt the current one was great both on the pitch and the floor. “Diego (Rodriguez) as a coach, he’s been incredible helping us all the way,” Hoad said.
“Our communication as a team, figuring out different formations, plays and together as a group, (we figured) out what worked for us.” The double-banner year couldn’t have gone much better for the Bobcats, but Hoad isn’t satisfied just yet. “Just keep improving myself, obviously, as an individual,” she said.
“But hopefully we can get to nationals next year and have a little more success there.” » [email protected] » Instagram: @thomasfriesen5 Advertisement.
