For the Centennial Colts women's soccer program, this weekend's result at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) championship brings a mix of pride and heartache—but above all, a reason to stand tall. The Colts captured the silver medal, a performance not achieved by the club since the year 2000. (OCAA)
The Final Match & Reflection
The Colts' championship run came to an end this past Sunday, as they were defeated by the St. Clair Saints by a score of 4-1. (St. Clair College) Going into the match, the Saints, hosting as the top seed, were clearly driven. They struck within the opening five minutes, and from there were able to hold the momentum. The Colts, in contrast, entered the final drained but determined, chasing a goal they believed could change everything.
A Season of Breakthroughs
But this story isn't defined by the loss—it's defined by how far this group has come. For the Colts, breaking through to claim silver marks a turning point. The program had not reached this final stage in more than two decades, and the accomplishment speaks volumes about the dedication within the squad and the leadership surrounding it. (OCAA)
Earlier in the weekend, the Colts produced an emotionally charged performance to defeat their rivals, the Seneca Sting, by 1-0. That victory, fueled by an outstanding strike from Alyssia Devillis, marked one of the biggest goals in program history. The emotional energy spent in that win paid dividends, but it also left the team vulnerable heading into the final, as the Saints have been accustomed to playing back-to-back in the West, where it was a new hurdle for the Colts to overcome. That's not to take away from the Saints' achievement, as they came out humming on Sunday.
With that in mind, the fact that they overcame the Sting, who have been in the Colts' way for the last 4 years, is itself a testament to how this team has grown.
What This Means
To finish as the second-best team in the OCAA is no consolation prize. It is a marker of excellence. It is proof that the Colts are no longer just participants; they are and will be solid contenders for years to come. It's impressive when you consider that the majority (if not all) of these players weren't even born the last time the program reached this level.
In a sense, they carried the weight of history—but more importantly, they lifted the program into a new era.
Honouring the Departing Leaders
This season also marks the closing chapter for several of the program's stalwarts: Vanessa Lima, Mylie Decoff, Jordyn Chrons‑Slaght, Kyry Rose, Soledad Vasquez‑Cuitto, Nalah Rowe and captain Emily Cullen. Their leadership and commitment to the program have set the standard, and the entire Colts Nation is full of gratitude for their contributions.
Coach Hirst & the Staff: A Legacy in Motion
Head coach Rich Hirst has now firmly established himself as the winningest coach in Colts history. His vision, his standards, and his unrelenting dedication have been nothing short of inspiring. The coaching staff - Adam Whitehead, Anthony Whitney (Who celebrated their 100th game together earlier this season), and Mykaela Volpe, who stand beside him, mirroring that same relentless drive. From the training ground to game day, their leadership has helped transform the culture of this program. The supporters couldn't be prouder.
Looking Ahead
Yes, the taste of defeat stings. But if this season taught us anything, it's that the Colts are now a program on the rise. Silver may glint differently than gold—but it's still hardware, it's still history, and it's still a foundation to build on.
To every player, every coach, every fan who lifted the banner this season: you've earned this. The best is yet to come.