Mentorship Program
The Women of Colour Hockey Collective Mentorship Program connects girls and young women of colour with mentors who have walked the path before them.
The Women of Colour Hockey Collective Mentorship Program connects girls and young women of colour with mentors who have walked the path before them — from grassroots hockey to junior, college, and professional levels, both on and off the ice.
Originating from the SaroyaStrong Mentorship Program, this initiative has evolved into a powerful, community-driven model where mentorship is passed forward. Many of our first-ever mentees are now competing at the junior and collegiate levels — and are returning as mentors themselves, creating a full-circle legacy rooted in access, representation, and leadership.
This program is about more than hockey performance. It is about confidence, identity, navigating predominantly white spaces, and ensuring that no girl or young woman of colour has to figure out this journey alone.
Our mentorship program is designed to support and uplift both those seeking guidance and those ready to give back.
This is a relationship-based program, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our mentors are women of colour who have navigated competitive hockey pathways while balancing school, work, and leadership responsibilities.
Retired Professional | Yale University | PWHL Manager of Culture & Impact
Hi, I'm Saroya! I'm a retired professional hockey defenseman, CBC broadcaster/analyst, and the Executive Director of Women of Colour Hockey Collective. I played NCAA hockey at Yale and professionally in the PHF, winning an Isobel Cup and breaking barriers as a Black woman in the game. I'm passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable hockey world, and I mentor because I want every young player to know they belong, their voice matters, and we're here to support you on and off the ice.
PWHL Professional | Ohio State
Professional defenseman with the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Patty Kazmaier Award winner at Ohio State. Passionate about helping young women of colour build confidence and leadership in hockey.
PWHL Professional | Seattle Torrent
Merrimack's all-time leading scorer. First Black player to win the PHF MVP award. From Brampton, Ontario, now playing for the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL.
Former Pro | U-Sport | Team Taiwan
Former U of Toronto Blues defenseman with multiple all-star honors. Played professionally with the Toronto Six. Helping young players develop confidence and joy on the ice.
NCAA | Arcadia University
Forward at Arcadia University and founder of Kianna's Krew, a mentorship program in Manitoba supporting the next generation of Black hockey players.
U-Sport | University of Waterloo
Fourth-year forward at Waterloo studying Recreation and Sport Business. From Mississauga, Ontario. Encouraging young players to build confidence and chase their dreams.
NCAA | Eastern Michigan University
Division I lacrosse player at Eastern Michigan. Started as a BGHC mentee in 2020 and transitioned to a mentorship role. Former Jr Wolves player.
University of British Columbia
Student at UBC and coach based in Vancouver. Captained the Vancouver Angels U18 A1 team for two years. Passionate about making hockey more inclusive for women of colour.
NCAA | Dartmouth University
Division I hockey player at Dartmouth, originally from Toronto. 20 years old with experience working with Bauer and the NHL on community campaigns advocating for inclusive spaces in hockey.
NCAA | Sacred Heart University
Division I hockey player at Sacred Heart University. Passionate about mentoring and helping women of colour feel they belong at every level of the game.
U-Sport | Queen's University
Plays for Queen's University Women's Hockey Team. Coached with BGHC and Ice Wolves Girls program. Inspired to help young athletes love the game and believe in themselves.
U-Sport | University of Waterloo
Third-year Health Sciences student at Waterloo while playing varsity hockey. Passionate about creating a welcoming environment for young women of colour in hockey.
Apply for the WCHC Mentorship Program by completing the form below. Once submitted, our team will review your application and follow up with next steps.
If you select "Other" for Ethnicity / Cultural Identity, please specify your identity in the written response field provided.
We're here to help. Reach out anytime and we'll connect you with the right support.
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