PACWEST Grad Class: VIU Mariners

The VIU Mariners men’s soccer team will be on the lookout for a pair of new leaders following the graduation of Michael Heppelle and Mathew Coburn after incredible PACWEST careers. 

Originally from Kamakura Japan, Heppelle decided to come to Canada, landing in Nanaimo to attend Vancouver Island University to play soccer at the post-secondary level.   Since making this momentous move, his parents have followed him, leaving Japan and settling on the Island.

Last PACWEST season was his final year of collegiate soccer, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in International Business.   On the pitch he recorded one goal from his midfield position and was named a Conference All-Star.  Unfortunately for him, his Mariners finished on the outside looking in at the Conference championship tournament, ending his PACWEST career. 

His leadership qualities will be missed next season.

While Heppelle patrolled the middle of the pitch, Matthew Coburn locked down the backline playing five years on the Mariners defence.

He loved playing for his hometown Mariners during his collegiate career and won four Conference medals including the 2023 gold, along with three silvers.   He played in two CCAA national championship tournaments earning a silver in 2019 in Ontario.

Coburn was a major part of the Mariners competitive success over the past five seasons and was a mainstay on the backline, something they will miss heading into next season.  That said, he’s still going to be around the team as he continues to take classes at VIU.

With both Heppelle and Coburn using up their eligibility, it feels like a chapter now closes in Mariners team history.  They will be sorely missed on and off the pitch going forward.

Michael and Matthew enter the PACWEST Class of 2025.