From Junior Gryphon to U SPORTS Player of the Year: Celebrating Olivia Rizakos’ Successful Season

Guelph’s own Olivia Rizakos has had a season to remember and a journey worth celebrating. From her early days doing cartwheels on the sidelines to earning the title of U SPORTS Player of the Year, Olivia’s path in soccer has been shaped by resilience, growth, and a deep love for the game. Now, as a key member of the Guelph Gryphons Women’s Soccer Team and Project Coordinator for Guelph Soccer’s She Can Coach program, she’s using her experience to inspire the next generation of female athletes.

Olivia’s introduction to soccer began at six years old in house league. She laughs looking back on herself as the player picking daisies and wandering the field. But everything changed the moment she scored her first goal. That single moment of joy changed her entire relationship with the sport and her love for the game.

She joined North Toronto’s rep program, where she spent nearly a decade with the same coach and a committed group of teammates. “Growing up in that kind of environment made a big difference and prepared me well for the university level.” When it came time to choose a university, Olivia wasn’t certain she would continue playing at all. But a visit to the University of Guelph and the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere changed that. “I loved the campus and the strong sense of community. And I had heard really positive things about Coach Shayne and the team environment,” she says. A tryout invitation soon followed, and the rest fell into place. “Now I’ve been here six years, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

This past season marked a turning point for Olivia. Entering her fourth year of competition, she brought new confidence, improved fitness and finishing, and a calmness in big moments. But she is quick to credit her teammates and coaches for her growth. “They believed in me and pushed me to be better because of how hard they work themselves,” she says. Feeling fully supported allowed her to play freely and take risks, ultimately helping her earn the title of U SPORTS Player of the Year.

Off the field, Olivia plays another crucial role in shaping the future of the sport. As Project Coordinator for Guelph Soccer’s She Can Coach program, she helps lead a program dedicated to increasing the number of women in coaching and keeping girls engaged in sport. She was drawn to the role because of the club’s genuine commitment to equity and meaningful change.

“Women face challenges like the cost of certifications, limited time due to family commitments, and a lack of representation,” she explains. “Many girls grow up without ever having a female coach, so it becomes hard to picture themselves in those roles.” She Can Coach works to remove those obstacles by covering certification costs, offering flexible learning opportunities, and creating a supportive community where women can learn together, share experiences, and build confidence. “The goal is to make coaching feel accessible and achievable, and to help women feel confident stepping into those roles.”

Looking forward, Olivia has clear goals both as a player and in her role with Guelph Soccer. With one more university season ahead, she hopes to return and help the Gryphons win an OUA championship. At the club, she’s eager to continue growing the She Can Coach program and reaching more potential female leaders in the community.

Olivia’s journey has included success, heartbreak, and a meaningful recovery from an ACL injury. In her moments of doubt, a simple but powerful message from her coach changed everything: ‘focus on being the best version of yourself, not someone else’. It was a turning point in her mindset, one that reshaped her confidence and approach to the game.

“Setbacks don’t define you. You’re capable of more than you think,” she says. “Remember why you love the sport. I wouldn’t change any part of my journey. I’ve met my best friends at Guelph, and I’ve been able to play with some of the best teammates I could ever ask for.”

A huge congratulations to Olivia Rizakos on the amazing year she has had both at the University of Guelph and Guelph Soccer.