View Royal goalkeeper Callie Turpin is taking her soccer career to the national stage. The soon-to-be Grade 12 student has been selected to represent Team BC at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, running from August 8-17 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Turpin is one of two Vancouver Island Wave players chosen for the provincial squad, joining teammate Katharina Cronkhite. Her rapid rise is impressive, especially since she began playing soccer at age 11.
“I just thought it looked fun, and then I became a goalkeeper. I’ve always wanted that position. I’ve never been interested in all the running,” Turpin said with a laugh.
Her development has been guided by Trevor Stiles at Keeper Culture, a Victoria-based academy she joined at 14. “He’s a really good coach. He’s brought me up to the keeper I am now,” she said.
At club level, Turpin competes with the Vancouver Island Wave in the BC Soccer Premier League, the top youth soccer division in the province. The team trains consistently and faces strong competition across the Island, giving her a chance to grow alongside top players.
“It’s really fun,” she said. “There are talented girls, great coaches, and consistent training. We travel a lot, but I really enjoy it.”
Turpin draws inspiration from elite goalkeepers like England’s Mary Earps and Germany’s Manuel Neuer. “I really like how they play, especially Neuer. He’s very aggressive. Obviously, I’m not 6’4”, but my style is similar,” she said.
At Spectrum Community School, Turpin and Cronkhite led the senior girls to a provincial championship. Turpin conceded only four goals across five games, while Cronkhite contributed three goals. “It felt amazing. All the senior girls are super talented, and doing it in Victoria made it even more special,” she said.
Her training schedule is demanding. Turpin practices five days a week, sometimes twice a day, with her academy, club team, or solo sessions. In the lead-up to the Canada Games, she will attend a month-long Team BC training camp in Vancouver, training daily with the squad.
“I’ve always loved it,” she said. “Even when it’s pouring rain or people tell me to rest, I don’t want to miss practice.”
Her dedication is recognized at home. “She’s always been in love with the sport,” said her mother, Kim. “She’s the most insanely dedicated person I know. It’s amazing to watch her chase this dream.”
Looking forward, Turpin aims to play university soccer in the United States and considers a future in business or sports management. For now, her focus is on the Canada Games and representing B.C. on the national stage.
“I never imagined this when I started at 11. I just wanted to play for fun. I’m really excited. I think it’s going to be amazing,” she said.
The Canada Summer Games are a biennial tournament that has showcased some of Canada’s top talent, including Katrina LeBlanc, Diana Matheson, Rhian Wilkinson, and Julia Grosso. Team BC, including Turpin and Cronkhite, will open the tournament with matches against Quebec and the Northwest Territories.
