Living the dream in Israel

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This article was published 09/11/2021 (1745 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Gabby Vivier-Hannay has her sights set on the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The 23-year-old Winnipegger currently plays professional soccer for Maccabi Emek Hefer WFC in Ligat Nashim, the women’s premier league in Israel. The team is partnered with Villarreal CF in Spain and currently sits third in the league.

Prior to signing for Emek Hefer in late summer 2021, Vivier-Hannay — who plays at centre back — attended South Dakota State University, where she turned out for the Jackrabbits.
And while she’s still settling into her new surroundings, Vivier-Hannay is enjoying her new adventure and new challenge after being a prominent player on the Manitoba soccer scene during her youth.

“It’s been a really good experience so far,” she said, shortly after Emek Hefer beat Bnot Netanya 4-3 on Nov. 4. “Israel is beautiful, and my experiences on the soccer field have been really good so far.”

Growing up, Vivier-Hannay — who lived in River Heights — played club soccer for Winnipeg South End United and FC Northwest, and also attended the then-National Development Centre (NDC) program at Glenlawn Collegiate. She also played on the provincial team, and was part of the Manitoba Blizzard, the forerunner to the Valour FC Elite Girls program.

She’s grateful for the support of her parents throughout the years, as well as coaches Rob Gale, Jim Zinko and the coaches at South Dakota State University.

A supporter of Chelsea, by virtue of her dad, Vivier-Hannay finds inspiration in players that have achieved great things in the women’s game.

“I look up to all players that play in leagues above me. Obviously, someone like (Winnipeg Olympic gold-medal winner) Desiree Scott has been a big inspiration,” she said.

Looking to season’s end, Vivier-Hannay has a flight back to Winnipeg booked in June, but the outcome of her return trip will depend on how the season ends for her team. If Emek Hefer wins the league, she said, the team will have the opportunity to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the premier club competition in European soccer.  

Visit www.ehfc.co.il for more information.