Q&A: Guelph’s Olivia Rizakos on a breakthrough season

The path to becoming the best women's soccer player in U SPORTS was anything but straightforward for Olivia Rizakos.

The University of Guelph forward capped a remarkable 2025 season by becoming the first Gryphon to win the Chantal Navert Memorial Award as U SPORTS Women's Soccer Player of the Year. Rizakos helped the Gryphons capture a top spot in the OUA West Division and advance to the OUA final, and led Guelph to its first national championship appearance since 2017.

Rizakos finished second in the OUA with 11 goals, while leading the conference with nine assists and 20 points in just 12 regular-season matches. She recorded a point in 12 of Guelph's 15 games, including the playoffs.

The breakthrough season was years in the making. Rizakos overcame the challenges of beginning her university career during the pandemic and later battled back from a significant ACL injury that threatened to derail her progress. Through it all, she remained committed to her development as a player, leader and student, emerging as a team captain, a three-time OUA all-star and a role model within the Guelph community.

Now pursuing a master's degree in psychology, while continuing to give back through youth soccer initiatives, Rizakos has become one of the most respected student-athletes in the country.

As she reflects on her record-setting season and nomination for the Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Award, Rizakos spoke with U SPORTS about the journey that brought her to this point.

U SPORTS: How did your soccer journey begin?

Olivia Rizakos: I started playing house league and honestly didn't like it very much. I was the kid doing cartwheels and picking dandelions. I didn't really want to run. Then one day, I scored a goal and thought that was pretty cool. I started playing rep soccer with North Toronto when I was eight or nine and eventually fell in love with it. Once I got a little better and started having success, I really started enjoying the game.

U SPORTS: How did you end up at Guelph?

Rizakos: Kind of by accident. I was originally planning to attend Simon Fraser, but then COVID hit and I actually thought it might be a sign to step away from soccer altogether. I ended up applying to Guelph and Western, chose Guelph because I liked the campus, and then Head Coach Shayne Campbell called me in the summer and asked if I wanted to try out. I told him I hadn't played in months and was pretty rusty, but I went to the tryout, made the team, and the rest is history.

U SPORTS: When did you realize soccer was something you wanted to pursue seriously?

Rizakos: Probably around the time I was 13. That's when I started getting a bit better and having more success. I'm very competitive, so I enjoy things I'm good at. Once I started scoring more and contributing more, I really started to love it.

U SPORTS: Just how competitive are you?

Rizakos: Very. I hate losing. Honestly, I don't even like playing card games because if I lose, I get upset. It's probably not the healthiest trait, but it's definitely part of who I am.

U SPORTS: How would you describe the culture within the Gryphons program?

Rizakos: I think it's the best it can possibly be. Everyone is supportive, caring and inclusive. Obviously, people have their close friends, but everyone is invited to everything, and everyone gets along. It's a very collective group. Over the years, we've learned a lot as a program, and the environment has become more competitive and more intense in a positive way. The girls work incredibly hard and genuinely want the best for one another.

U SPORTS: What made this season special?

Rizakos: We had a really great team. We've had some strong teams before, but this year everything came together. The coaching staff was supportive, the environment was positive, and everybody contributed. I also think I gained a lot of confidence this season. Sometimes things went my way, and I had teammates putting me in positions to succeed. It was really a collective effort.

U SPORTS: What did you learn this season?

Rizakos: Honestly, things don't need to be so serious all the time. Earlier in my career, I thought everything had to be intense all the time, but this year I learned that you can have fun, enjoy the process and still perform at a high level. Our group was really good at staying positive, reflecting on challenges and moving forward without letting things snowball.

U SPORTS: What was it like to compete at the U SPORTS Championship?

Rizakos: It was special. The team hadn't been there since 2017, and none of us had experienced it before. Obviously, losing in extra time to UBC was tough, but we were proud of what we accomplished. We had fun, learned a lot and represented Guelph well. That's something we'll always remember.

U SPORTS: What does this athlete of the year nomination mean to you?

Rizakos: It's pretty surreal. I'm very proud to represent Guelph. I've been here a long time, and there really isn't anywhere else I'd rather be. Even winning the U SPORTS player of the year award took a while to sink in. Sometimes it still feels strange because it wasn't something I ever expected would happen. I'm just really grateful.

U SPORTS: Who would you like to thank?

Rizakos: Definitely my parents. They didn't know much about soccer when I started, but they've always been incredibly supportive, and they've been there every step of the way. My teammates at Guelph have been amazing, and I'd also thank my former coaches who helped me develop into the player I am today. And of course, Coach Shayne Campbell and the entire coaching staff at Guelph. They've been incredible. We also have a great strength and conditioning department that helped me through some difficult 

U SPORTS: What goals do you still have at Guelph?

Rizakos: I have one more year at Guelph, and I want to win an OUA gold medal. Honestly, if I could choose, I'd probably take that over any individual award. Every year we've gotten a little bit better, so hopefully next year is the year. After that, I'll finish my master's degree and then decide whether I want to continue playing or move on to a PhD.

U SPORTS: What has it been like to see the growth of women's soccer in Canada?

Rizakos: It's been incredible. I'm a huge women's soccer fan, and I've watched the growth of leagues like the NWSL over the years. Now, having the Northern Super League in Canada creates opportunities that didn't really exist before. Young players can actually see a pathway now, and that's really exciting.

U SPORTS: What has your U SPORTS experience meant to you?

Rizakos: Everything. I'm really happy I stayed in Canada and played in the OUA. The competition is excellent, and I've never regretted my decision. I'm proud to represent U SPORTS and proud of what university soccer in Canada has become.

U SPORTS: What advice would you give young athletes?

Rizakos: Don't take everything so seriously. You have to work hard and put the time in, but don't let mistakes or setbacks define you. I've dealt with injuries and difficult moments, and it's easy to lose confidence. Believe in yourself, keep working and play your own game. Everybody's journey is different, and setbacks don't have to stop you from reaching your goals.