NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Aug. 26, 2025

Anneke Rankila Announced as Sophie’s Squad Ambassador

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Anneke Rankila, A Toronto Scepters forward, is set to join Sophie’s Squad’s new ambassador program. 

Rankila is an accomplished forward who has been a standout player since her time at Centennial High School. While at Centennial, Rankila finished in the top five for the prestigious Ms. Hockey award. After high school, she played at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and was once again an accomplished player. Rankila played for the Metropolitan Riveters of the PHF before the league’s disbandment and was later drafted as the 36th pick of the 2024 PWHL draft by the Toronto Scepters. Rankila is looking forward to using the platform athletics gives her for good.

“I have a platform as a pro athlete, and I’ve wanted to find a way to use it for good. I think Sophie’s Squad is a great way to use my platform to help open up the conversation on mental health.” Rankila said,  “I want the Sophie’s Squad community to know I support them, and I want my peers to know I can be someone they can talk to, and I can point people to the appropriate help if needed.”

As an ambassador, Rankila will continue championing Sophie’s Squad while advancing mental health awareness and initiatives. Ambassadors promote Sophie’s Squad through the power of their reach as high-level elite athletes. Sophie’s Squad marketing director, Ryan Bahl, spoke about Linser Rankila’s involvement with the organization.

“Anneke Linser Rankila is an exciting ambassador to bring on to the team. She’s passionate about the organization’s mission and is excited to be a valuable part of the team.” Bahl said, “Anneke has been involved in some of our events, like the annual golf outing, and we’re thrilled to have her in a more official capacity.”

Rankila is the latest athlete to join Sophie’s Squad’s ambassador program, joining a list of dedicated team members. The organization is excited to partner with a diverse group of athletes across all sports, age groups, and backgrounds.

Sophie’s Squad was founded in 2021 to raise awareness of mental health issues and remove the stigma associated with seeking help for athletes.