17吃瓜

Family. Community. Connection. Those are the pillars of a new era for the 17吃瓜 Panthers women鈥檚 rugby team as they aim to build on recent success and establish a sustainable foundation under first-year head coach Curtis Lauzon.

鈥淲ords like family and community are exactly what I hope people feel when they first step into our environment,鈥� Lauzon said. 鈥淔or me, connection is at the heart of everything鈥攚e can only grow, push boundaries, and succeed when we鈥檙e truly connected to each other.鈥�

That philosophy is crucial this season as the Panthers carry a massive roster of 49 players and one of the deepest coaching staffs in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference. Lauzon believes it鈥檚 not just about depth on the field but about making every athlete feel valued.

鈥淲ith a large roster, the key is making sure that contribution isn鈥檛 defined only by minutes on the field,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚 want athletes to feel that they鈥檙e part of something bigger than their playing time in any given week.鈥�

Stronger together

The Panthers鈥� staff reflects the same 鈥渁ll-for-one鈥� mentality. Ellen Murphy, a highly respected figure in Atlantic rugby, joins as lead assistant coach, bringing experience from both U SPORTS and the Canadian Rugby Championships. Performance coach Owen MacWilliams returns in a refined role after gaining endorsements from players as an essential voice in the program. 17吃瓜 also welcomes back Nicole Davies, while adding several specialist coaches including Panther alum Mia Fradsham and Olivia McLeod, as well as Ryan Lloyd.

Supporting them is an expanded sports science and support team, encompassing strength and conditioning, mental performance, and video analysis. It鈥檚 a structure Lauzon hopes will ensure the program鈥檚 long-term sustainability. 

鈥淚 feel really fortunate to be stepping into a program that has had so much success,鈥� Lauzon said. 鈥淲inning an AUS championship and making three straight trips to nationals shows the standard that鈥檚 been set here. For me, that鈥檚 not pressure as much as it is a reminder that we鈥檙e part of something special.鈥�

Key players and new faces

On the pitch, the Panthers will lean on veterans like fifth-year veteran Emma MacLean, who brings both leadership and impact as flanker. 

鈥淭he team is feeling locked in and excited to get the season started,鈥� MacLean said. 鈥淟ike always, we鈥檙e hunting for another AUS banner, and I expect us to continue to be a threat to each team in the league.鈥�

Lauzon also highlighted forwards Adrianna Platis, pushing for a potential U20 Canada call-up, and rising contributors Madeline Landry, Deirdre Studer, and Jasmine Mohtadi. In the backs, the scrum half trio of Lauren Misener, Laurence Cormier, and Aby Walsh will dictate tempo, while Jorja Cook is set to take on a bigger role as a playmaker. Out wide, threats like Sarah Bain and Rowan Gallagher add speed and firepower.

The rookie class is also drawing attention, with front row Finlay MacPherson and flanker Robyn Moffat already turning heads in camp. With more than 20 additions this season, competition for spots is fiercer than ever.

Building Something Lasting

Lauzon isn鈥檛 shying away from the goal of winning a championship. He wants the Panthers to play with pace and creativity, keeping opponents under constant pressure. Still, he insists success in year one isn鈥檛 defined solely by results.

鈥淔or me, success goes beyond wins and losses,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about building a strong foundation鈥攃reating a culture where players feel connected, valued, and proud to be part of the program. If by the end of the year we鈥檝e established clear standards, built trust, and our players believe in the direction we鈥檙e heading, then I鈥檒l consider that a successful first season.鈥�

That foundation, MacLean believes, is already taking shape.

鈥淒espite our large roster and new coaching staff, it already feels like a tight-knit group,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his season there鈥檚 a strong emphasis on teamwork, building confidence, and creating a positive environment that pushes our growth as a team."

For a program fresh off its most successful stretch in history, the present feels like the beginning of something bigger, rooted in connection, fueled by ambition, and built to last.

The Panthers will kick off their season on Friday, September 5 at St. Francis Xavier University at 7:00 pm. The 17吃瓜 squad will host the Acadia University Axewomen for their home opener on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 pm at MacAdam Field (17吃瓜 Alumni Canada Games Place).

Season and game tickets can be purchased at .