View Royal goalkeeper Callie Turpin is taking her game to the national stage. Fresh off a provincial championship with Spectrum Community School, the soon-to-be Grade 12 athlete has been named to Team BC for the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland, running August 8–17.
Turpin is one of two Vancouver Island Wave players selected for the provincial squad, joining teammate Katharina Cronkhite. Her rise has been rapid, especially considering she only began playing soccer at age 11.
“I just thought it looked fun, and then I became a goalkeeper – I’ve always wanted to play that position. I’ve never really been interested in all the running,” Turpin said with a laugh.
Much of her development comes from training at Keeper Culture, a Victoria-based academy led by coach Trevor Stiles, where she has trained since age 14.
“He’s a really good coach. He’s brought me up to the keeper that I am now,” Turpin said.
Turpin also plays with the Vancouver Island Wave in the BC Soccer Premier League, the province’s top youth soccer level. She credits the club’s elite coaching and talented teammates for helping her grow.
“There’s a lot of talented girls, good coaches, and consistent training. We’re the only team on the Island, so we do a lot of travel, but I really enjoy it,” she said.
The young goalkeeper looks up to world-class keepers like England’s Mary Earps and Germany’s Manuel Neuer. “I really like the way they play – especially Neuer. He’s very aggressive. Obviously, I’m not 6’4″, but I’d say my style is pretty similar,” she said with a grin.
At Spectrum, Turpin and Cronkhite helped lead the senior girls to a provincial championship. Turpin allowed just four goals in five games during the tournament, while Cronkhite added three goals.
“It felt amazing. All the senior girls are super talented – we had a lot of fun, and doing it in Victoria made it even more special,” Turpin said.
Her training schedule is intense. Turpin practices five days a week, sometimes twice daily, with her academy, club, and personal sessions. She will continue this schedule during a month-long Team BC training camp in Vancouver, preparing for the Canada Games.
“I’ve always loved it. Even when it’s pouring rain or people tell me to take a break – I don’t want to miss practice,” she said.
Her dedication has impressed her family. “She’s always been in love with the sport. She’s the most insanely dedicated person I know – it’s really cool to watch her chase this dream,” her mother, Kim, said.
Looking ahead, Turpin hopes to play university soccer in the U.S. and is considering a career in business or sports management. For now, her focus is on the Canada Games, where Team BC will open against Quebec and the Northwest Territories.
The biennial Canada Games have previously featured some of Canada’s top soccer talent, including Katrina LeBlanc, Diana Matheson, Rhian Wilkinson, and Julia Grosso. Turpin’s selection continues the tradition of developing elite athletes on the national stage.
“I never imagined this when I started at 11. I just wanted to play for fun. But I’m really excited – I think it’s going to be amazing,” she said.
