Hannah Chown has never been one to stay in her lane — at least, not in the traditional sense.
As a defender, she’s built her reputation on reading the game, setting the tone from the backline, and unexpectedly, scoring goals. As the captain of the Varsity Blues women’s soccer team, Chown has been the team’s leading scorer over multiple seasons — despite her primary role being to stop attackers.
Yet, goals barely scratch the surface of what makes Chown such a powerhouse for her team. Her journey — shaped by deep family support, an unwavering commitment to leadership, and a passion for education — has made her more than just a captain: she is an all-rounded all-star.
“I try not to elevate myself above the team. There’s 22 people on the field, so I’m not more important than the person beside me.”
Captain U of T
Chown’s soccer career started early. Hailing from Mississauga, she grew up in a household where athletics were an integral part of her family’s life. As the youngest of seven sisters, her family woven competition and camaraderie when they raised Hannah. Her father — an avid soccer fan — was her first coach, instilling both technical skills and a love for the game. “I started playing soccer when I was three years old,” Chown recalled in an interview with The Varsity.
Her commitment to the game led her through the Ontario Player Development League, where she captained her Vaughan team. Chown contemplated taking her talents to the US at one point, but the pandemic rerouted her plans. Instead, she chose U of T — her mother’s alma mater — where she pursued an undergraduate double major in English and drama and is now completing her masters in teaching at U of T.
Looking back, she has no regrets. “I know people that went down to the States [and] got injured, were written off a team… they [had] terrible experiences,” she said. “[My] support system here… I also feel [that the] Canadian and Toronto culture are much more akin to the people I want to surround myself with… I don’t know if I would have had the same academic experience somewhere else.”
Chown has served as captain for the past three seasons, shaping the team’s culture with a collaborative, inclusive approach to leadership. She credited her background in education and drama for her leadership style. “My courses are all about co-creation,” she explained. “There’s nothing that you can really do by yourself in a drama performance so you rely a lot on other people to carry their weight to get the whole group to the finish line.”
That emphasis on collective success over individual accolades defines her leadership. “I try not to elevate myself above the team. There’s 22 people on the field, so I’m not more important than the person beside me,” she said. “But I do know that the girls will respond to my energy.”
Over time, her ability to balance a disciplined mindset with a lighthearted presence has cemented her as a respected leader. “I have been a mess… especially when I started my undergrad…head in the clouds, a little aloof, not really sure what’s going on,” Chown admitted. “I think it takes time to calm down and reflect a little bit… so being able to reflect and [find] perspective, this is not the end all… this is the space that I’m in.”
All-round all-star
Despite playing as a defender, Chown has demonstrated a knack for finding the back of the net, particularly in high-stakes moments. Her set-piece expertise — whether delivering a free kick or getting her head on a corner — has made her an unexpected but invaluable offensive asset.
One of her most memorable moments came in the 2024 playoffs against TMU Bold. “I scored a free kick from about 35–40 yards out,” she recalled. “I just smashed it, and it went top corner and everyone was very hype! And beating TMU, it’s another type of joy.”
Her impact isn’t just felt in highlight reel moments. Over her Varsity Blues career, she has consistently earned OUA All-Star recognition, being named on an All-Star team in all four years of her collegiate career.
But she doesn’t let accolades define her. “It’s nice to be recognized, but… all the girls deserve to be on this list… it’s nice to be recognized, for sure, [but] as I’ve gotten older, I’m like, how [can] people define me? Awards… it doesn’t define me as an athlete.”
Even with her university career coming to a close, Chown isn’t ready to hang up her cleats just yet. She’s planning to pursue professional opportunities overseas, with trials lined up in England. “I feel like I can’t be done yet,” she admitted. “I just want to see what happens. If it works out, great. If not, I’ve had an amazing run.”
Talking future
Regardless of where her playing career takes her, Chown sees coaching as a natural step. Already coaching U11 girl’s soccer at SC Toronto, she finds joy in passing on her knowledge to younger players. “You can’t play soccer forever, so finding a new way to be involved in the game is really important.”
As for her long-term future? Teaching remains at the forefront. With a deep passion for education and a strong sense of mentorship, she hopes to make an impact in the classroom.
For Chown, soccer has been about more than just wins and losses — it’s been about the people. “The institution is one thing, but it’s the people that make the experience,” she said. “I hope in 20 or 30 years, I can still call these girls my sisters. I hope that in 20 years that they would feel comfortable enough if they needed something to call me.”
Beyond the Varsity Blues, Chown has made a mark in the broader athletic community. As co-president of the Varsity Board and a member of the Council of Athletics and Recreation, she has played a key role in improving the student-athletes experience at U of T. She even starred in an Under Armour campaign, representing the university’s athletic culture on a larger stage.
Through it all, she remains grounded in gratitude. “Every opportunity I’ve had has come from putting myself out there, asking questions, and being open to new experiences,” she said. “If I had gone to the States, I wouldn’t have had these experiences. I might’ve been just another number.”
So, how does she want to be remembered?
As someone who worked hard, who would do anything for her teammates, and who left the program better than she found it.
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