Getting their start just last year, the Seawolves women’s rugby sevens team have set a promising future for success in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA).

With backing from Natasha Kelly, Director of Athletics and Recreation, and Dave McPherson, who was instrumental in establishing the women’s rugby sevens team, they have already achieved major success.

The team placed second in their debut season as a club team, and this fall, they clinched the first-ever ACAA Women’s Rugby Sevens Championship.

Not only are we seeing a rise in success and popularity with women’s rugby sevens locally, but also on an international scale. Canada’s women’s rugby sevens team won a historic silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting a new attendance record for a women's rugby event.

This season, the Seawolves dominated right out of the gate, winning all three games in the first tournament weekend. Their winning streak continued throughout the regular season, finishing with capturing a gold medal win at the ACAA finals.

Head coach, Chad Sooley, who has coached many of the student-athletes at different levels since they were 12 years old, created an instant level of comfort and familiarity. He says, “They knew that they were going to be treated fairly, that they were going to be expected to work hard, and we would have fun doing it.”

The success of the Seawolves was truly a team effort. “For the players, they bought into being a team, versus playing on a team" Sooley said. “They hyped each other up, were genuinely excited for everyone's successes, and pushed each other to be better.”

Holly Knight was a new addition to the coaching staff this year. With experience coaching senior women’s rugby with the Saint John Trojans, she was able to bring her knowledge to the team. “Coaching women in sport is such a great challenge because they will push you to make sure you know your stuff. They want to know why they're doing what they've been asked to do, and they will ask questions for clarity before they do it. You must build trust with them, and part of that is respecting their rugby IQ, the experiences they bring to the pitch, and their willingness to collaborate. It's a give and take" said Knight.

The ACAA also recognized the talent on the team, with three Seawolves players receiving ACAA Athlete of the Week honours. With back–to back seasons of success, the team has a goal of becoming a varsity team for the next season. As they continue to build their legacy from the pitch up, their future looks bright.