2023 Women's Rugby Season Preview
CONDORS RUGBY IS BACK!
The return to the rugby field has been a resilient one, marked by a delayed comeback post-COVID-19. This hiatus offered the Conestoga Athletics Department an opportunity to recalibrate and place the highest priority on player safety and program sustainability. The process of rebuilding the team has had a focus on internal development and strategic recruitment efforts underpinned by winter training sessions.
In September 2022, Head Coach Andrew Petricca was hired and began recruitment efforts right away. The hard work brought forth many talented players, each poised to make their mark. Courtney Gowland is a versatile athlete who previously played varsity soccer at Conestoga and was among the first to lend her support in building the team. Maria Sanchez brings club-level experience and has emerged as a leader by example. Jillian Vickery brings experience from the provincial program, which has added further depth to the squad. Additionally, players like Hunter Skinn, Grace Kukuric, and Kennedy Metheral bring unique leadership strengths and a physical dimension to our team.
In preparation for the season, the past two months have been nothing short of hectic as the team has honed their technical skills, built camaraderie, and navigated competing at the collegiate varsity level for the first time for most of the athletes. The team's collective aspiration is to leave a lasting impression and announce to the league that Conestoga Rugby is back and is building to be stronger than ever. They have set their sights on qualifying for the championship tournament. But the team's mission extends beyond the current season; it's about laying the foundation for a strong and sustainable rugby program that will continue to grow.
To achieve their goals, Coach Andrew Petricca believes players need to put trust not only in the system but also in each other, on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates their first tournament on September 16th, with the first game beginning at 11 AM, where they will face Humber. The games will take place at Seneca - Fletcher's Field.
The Women's Rugby team and Conestoga Athletics Department are excited to reintroduce rugby to the Conestoga community. The prospect of new facilities being built and ready for the next season adds an extra layer of anticipation as they look forward to the potential of hosting tournaments next year.
We hope you will join us in cheering on our Conestoga Women's rugby team this season. The squad’s full schedule can be viewed HERE. Stay connected and be part of the excitement by following them on Instagram @condorrugby7s