Okayama University Women's Ice Hockey Team Achieves Runner-Up at National Championships After Six Years

Okayama University Women's Ice Hockey Team Makes History

The Okayama University women's ice hockey team, representing Okayama City, recently secured a remarkable runner-up position in the 13th National Collegiate Women's Ice Hockey Championships held from October 31 to November 3, 2025, in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. This marked the first time in six years that they reached such heights, further improving upon their previous year’s performance where they finished third. The tournament witnessed intense competition among 15 teams, involving a total of 224 players.

The team's journey through the preliminary league was impressive, finishing first among their group, which allowed them to advance to the knockout stage. Initially, the team aimed for a guaranteed spot in the top three for two consecutive years; however, they exceeded expectations by clinching the second position in the finals.

Outstanding Individual Performances

During the event, notable individual accolades were awarded to the team members, showcasing their talent and dedication. Miki Nishijima, a fourth-year student from the Faculty of Economics, was honored as the Best Forward. Meanwhile, Maria Sawada, a first-year student from the Graduate School, was named the Best Defense player, reflecting the strength of the defense line throughout the tournament.

Team Captains Share Their Feelings

Mami Sakurai, the team captain and a third-year student in the Faculty of Education, expressed her joy about the team’s achievement: "I am thrilled with our runner-up finish, which surpasses our original goal. There were challenges along the way, but through mutual support amongst teammates, we overcame them. This past year has helped me realize the importance of appreciating the support we receive from everyone involved, including alumni and federation officials. I look forward to using this experience as motivation for future challenges, ensuring that our team continues to strive ever forward."

Similarly, Mino Kawai, the game captain and a third-year student from the Faculty of Engineering, articulated her excitement about achieving the runner-up position. "The wall to runner-up status has always felt formidable, but the commitment and hard work of every team member, along with the insights passed down from alumni, have brought us to this point. We will continue to push ourselves to achieve greater heights in practice and competition."

Future Prospects

The performances delivered by the Okayama University women's ice hockey team this year have ignited excitement for their future endeavors. With renewed spirit, the team is eager to take on more challenges as they aim for the ultimate title in upcoming tournaments. The dedication shown by the players and the support from the university community underline the growing prominence of women's sports, particularly ice hockey, at Okayama University.

The news was officially announced by Okayama University on January 28, 2026. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the team but also reflects the university's commitment to fostering talent in women's sports. As they celebrate their success, the community eagerly anticipates the team’s future matches and further accomplishments.

For more details on the Okayama University women's ice hockey team, visit their official page here