After years of dedication and hard work in the extremely physically demanding sport of rugby, local athlete Jaelei Meyer (20) of Carlyle, daughter of Rick and Amanda, has earned a spot on Team Canada's U20 women's team.
Meyer, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2013, will be going into her third year at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia this fall where she competes in both rugby and hockey. Meyers is taking a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geology with hopes of finding a career in New Zealand following convocation.
The tough competitor, Meyer may have came to Rugby a little bit later in life, beginning in grade 11 – taking on the sport because it was suggested she find something to do in the off season of hockey – but, athletic and with a good head for sport she quickly found great success.
“Originally I went to Notre Dame to play hockey and it was recommended that I play another sport; I really liked what rugby had to offer,” Meyer explained. “It was a very physical and intense sport, which I could relate to with playing hockey my whole life.”
Meyer caught onto the sport quickly, which landed her a spot on her university team where her determination and grit earned her Rookie of the Year in 2013.
Her University team went on to earn the 2014 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Conference Champions where Meyer was named a Conference All Star. Meyer's team then went on to become Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Rugby National Champions, all accolades that come to the humble and determined athlete deservedly.
Meyer, who has continually grown in her understanding and abilities of rugby, sparked a thought of potentially representing Canada one day on the international stage after seeing others reach the team. This thought turned into a dream, which she has now realized.
“As I learned more about the sport and seeing other university athletes go through Team Canada's Program, my dream of playing for our country's rugby team was sparked,” Meyer stated.
“When I found out I made the team everything seemed so surreal, I was happy and excited and immediately phoned my family with the great news!”
She had been training throughout the summer for her university teams and also played rugby for the U20 Wolf Pack. On Aug. 16, she travelled to Ellensburg, Washington to take part in the CanAm Cup this week to take on Team USA. The competition is a week-long event, which will see Team Canada take on Team USA at Central Washington University.
The roster was announced on Aug. 5 where Meyer's Team Canada coach, Jen Boyd, said, “I am most excited about working with a new group of U20 athletes. With only four returning players from 2014, this year’s U20 program is carrying 22 new athletes. That means there are 22 new athletes in the player pool, working toward the National Senior Women’s Team.”
“As we continue to grow the depth in Canada, this will be a continued move in a positive direction for women’s rugby in Canada. This is a young squad that includes a few U18 athletes. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Team Canada is entering into the tournament after winning last year's Can-Am Cup after beating Team USA 51-5 in the first game and then 43-6 three days later. Although this year's team is young, Meyer and her fellow teammates will work hard and are focused going into the competition.
Meyer's journey to Team Canada has been one of dedication and hard work, but the talented athlete also attributes her successes to those who have inspired her and supported her over the years.
“I have had the opportunity to play with many skilled and talented athletes during my Rugby Career,” Meyer explained. “My teammates with Notre Dame, Regina Rage, Team Sask, U20 Wolf Pack and St FX have inspired me to always play better and push harder. My coaches over the years, have developed me and provided me with the knowledge to excel at the game. I am extremely thankful and forever grateful for the love, support and dedication my friends and family have provided to me.”
She is especially thankful to her family who has supported her in each of her endeavours, “I am forever thankful to my parents for their guidance, inspiration, and for always being my rocks.”
Meyer adds jokingly, “I hope during the games my mom can kind of keep her eyes open. Comparing [this competition] to the first few games playing Rugby, she could never keep her eyes open because she was so scared I'd get hurt.”
It’s a tough sport, but one that Meyer has come to love and excel in. Competition starts on Wednesday, Aug. 19, with a second game held on Saturday, Aug. 22.
