This article has been adapted and was originally published on October 21, 2024 through Canada West. Read the original article.
UBC’s Rachel Smith has been named the conference’s 2024 Rugby 15s Player of the Year.
It’s a well deserved recognition for the fourth year lock who has been an essential part of the Thunderbirds recent dynasty. Smith’s presence in the middle of the pitch was once again an integral part of UBC’s success this season, leading the T-Birds to a first place 4-1 regular season record and a fifth straight conference title after a 51-22 victory over Victoria in the gold medal game last night.
Her Thunderbirds teammate Mya Koleba was named Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut campaign. The Coldstream, B.C. product stepped into a talented T-Birds lineup and made an instant impact, with coaches praising her strong tackling and ability to disrupt opposing attacks.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rachel Smith (UBC Thunderbirds)
- Fourth-Year
- Lock
- Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
A veteran leader for the Thunderbirds, Smith’s presence in the middle of the pitch has been an integral part of UBC’s success this season. She’s contributed on both sides of the ball, combining her hard-nosed defence with three tries, including one against the Dinos in the Canada West Final Four. Her coaches praise her elite understanding of the game and her ability in the contact area, as well as her key role in lineouts. Smith is a three-time Canada West All-Star and one of the major factors in the Thunderbirds’ consistency in recent years.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Mya Koleba (UBC Thunderbirds)
- First Year
- Back Row
- Hometown: Coldstream, B.C.
Koleba needed no time to adjust to the university level, as her power and athleticism made her a near-instant insert into the Thunderbirds’ starting lineup. She’s recorded two tries this season, but her biggest value lies in her defensive play, where she’s consistently able to make good tackles and disrupt the opposition. Her coaches highlighted her ability to always gain ground with the ball in her hands as one of her many impressive traits.