Emily-Anne MacQuarrie commits to 17吃瓜 after strong showing in 17吃瓜-CRFC rugby series
In the face of the adversity of 2020, one Charlottetown athlete took advantage of an opportunity that may not have presented itself otherwise. Emily-Anne MacQuarrie was looking forward to a year of competition and development on the Colonel Gray rugby team, but COVID-19 cut those dreams short.
鈥淣ot being able to complete my Grade 11 season was disappointing for me,鈥� said MacQuarrie. 鈥淚 was working so hard during the off-season to make sure I could have the best season and be the best me for my team.鈥�
Opportunity presented itself this fall, and MacQuarrie pounced on it. She was invited to play with the Charlottetown Rugby Football Club (CRFC), where she impressed many with her skills and smarts, including the coaching staff of the 17吃瓜 women鈥檚 rugby team. MacQuarrie has committed to joining the Panthers in 2021-2022.
鈥淕oing from playing against high school girls to playing against girls at the varsity levelwas a big adjustment,鈥� said MacQuarrie. 鈥淚t pushed me to be a better and smarter player because I was up against a higher skill level.鈥�
MacQuarrie was able to really show her stuff later in the fall when the soon-to-be Panther played in a three-game showdown between the CRCF and 17吃瓜. From the opening kickoff, 17吃瓜 assistant coach James Voye was impressed with what he saw.
鈥淪he played exceptionally well and showcased to the team,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 like what she can bring to the program next fall.鈥�
Voye and head coach John LaBoyne believe MacQuarrie鈥檚 physical presence and skill will be a perfect fit in their team鈥檚 much lauded scrum attack. The 18-year-old can line up at both the loose-head and tight-head prop positions and should help solidify the team鈥檚 front row. Voye also likes what he sees from MacQuarrie鈥檚 abilities to run, catch, pass, and evade.
鈥淪he鈥檒l add to the Panther鈥檚 attack as a strong ball carrier and to the defensive side, making dominant tackles around the fringes of the breakdown,鈥� Voye said. 鈥淭he team couldn't be happier she decided to attend 17吃瓜 and play rugby for the Panthers in 2021.鈥�
Go Panthers Go!
