The 2025 OCAA season marks the inaugural campaign for Lakehead Orillia's soccer programs. Men's and women's teams were added this year alongside indoor soccer on a growing lineup of varsity sports.
Lakehead Orillia's only varsity sport previous to this year was indoor soccer, which it has had since 2017. It maintains a healthy variety of club-level programs including competitive dance and ice hockey.
Its flagship campus in Thunder Bay hosts eight different varsity programs, but not soccer. Its other programs compete in the OUA conference, sanctioned by U Sports.
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“It is a great step forward for Lakehead Orillia and the Orillia Thunderwolves varsity sport program,” said associate vice-president, administration Dr. Chris Glover in a news release. “We are excited to expand and enhance the student experience and our athletic program offerings with the addition of men’s and women’s varsity outdoor soccer. We look forward to cheering on our teams in their first season.”
Briesk Kouji is the head coach of the men's team. He played college soccer at McMaster, and later Fanshawe, before coaching youth soccer.
Brodie Brown is the head coach of the women's team. His previous playing experience includes time in League1 ON and second-tier professional clubs in Sweden and Portugal. He also boasts years of experience coaching at Swedish academies.
"Both Brodie and Briesk bring a wealth of talent and expertise as coaches and athletes to our varsity program," said Lakehead Orillia athletics and recreation coordinator Drake Aldred in an introductory release. "As we move into a critical rebuilding of our varsity program, their experience will be an asset to our soccer program and student-athletes. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Lakehead community."
Through a partnership with the City of Orillia, the West Orillia Sports Complex will host home matches and serve as the team's training facility. The City also recently added a new scoreboard at the southwest end of the field.
“Access to the City’s facilities gives our student-athletes the space and support they need to train while strengthening our connection to the community,” explained Dr. Glover.
“Orillia is thrilled to support Lakehead University as it launches its new varsity men’s and women’s soccer teams,” said Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac. “With the City’s brand-new scoreboard, we’re excited to welcome these teams to their new home at the West Orillia Sports Complex. We look forward to seeing these young athletes thrive and create lasting memories during their time in Orillia and at Lakehead University.”
Both teams have its first match in program history Friday in Sudbury against Cambrian. The women will have their first home match Sunday against Loyalist, while the men's will follow against Centennial.
