My Rugby Experiences
I began playing rugby at the age of 8 and I fell in love with the game from day one. I loved the physicality of the game, but at the same time the very strict rules. At the age of 14, I was playing for the U17 German National Team. Playing with much older and more physical players helped me understand that success does not come without sacrifice. I learned that through hard work and sacrifice, I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.
After moving to Shawnigan Lake, BC I continued playing rugby for my high school team. Being part of a team that lived on the same campus 24/7 gave me a completely new definition of teamwork. As much of a struggle it was to learn a new language and become accustomed to a completely new culture, my determination and hard work resulted in me having the time of my life for the last two years of high school. |
In the spring of grade 11, I travelled back to Germany to play for the German U-18 National Team. We competed in the Tier 2 European Championships in Toulon, France. I received the honour of captaining the team, as the coaches knew me and my attributes very well from previous years. We ended becoming the first ever (and still only) German youth national team to win the European Championship tournament.
Once I arrived back in Canada, I set my focus on becoming a member of the Canadian National Team. Indeed, in 2010 (my grade 12 year) the opportunity arose to attend trial camps for the Canadian U-20 national team, as well as the Canadian Senior Men's 7s National Team. As 7's rugby was just introduced to become an olympic sport, every national team focused on developing young players. I received an invitation to play for the Senior Men's 7's National Team at prestigious tournaments in Wellington, New Zealand and Las Vegas, USA. Practicing and playing on a team with players such as 7s icons Phil Mack and John Moonlight opened my eyes and showed me how much hard work it takes to become the best in the world. I was extremely lucky to do what I loved and compete at world class tournaments all over the world. I have competed in tournaments in Dubai, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Georgia, USA, Italy, France and Cuba. These experiences of moving away from the family at age 16, and then playing for the senior national rugby team at age 18 forced me to grow as a person and understand what kind of person I want to become. I have played rugby for the Vikes Varsity Team throughout my 5 years at UVic. I have made amazing friends and met so many great people. It seems as if the last 5 years went by way too fast, but when I think about the memories I have made, I don't have any regrets. My highlight of my journey with the rugby team has definitely been our third consecutive championship at the National University 7's Championships, where we beat UBC in the final. |