RUGBY: UBC's Rachel Smith named Player of the Year

Oct. 21, 2024 - 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.

Lethbridge head coach Graeme Moffat was awarded Coach of the Year, leading a young Pronghorns roster to a third place finish in the regular season standings.

Calgary's Willow Beyea was named the recipient of the Student-Athlete Community Service Award, recognizing her leadership displayed on the field, her commitment to helping fellow student-athletes at the University of Calgary, and a dedication to growing the sport of rugby in her community.

The Rugby 15's 2024 All-Star roster has also been announced, headlined by six UBC Thunderbirds and four members of the Victoria Vikes. The Lethbridge Pronghorns and Alberta Pandas each placed a pair on the list, while Beyea was the sole Calgary selection.

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS & ALL-STARS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rachel Smith (UBC Thunderbirds)

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)

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.

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Willow Beyea (Calgary Dinos)

Willow Beyea's dedication to bettering her community has been recognized with the 2024 Canada West Student-Athlete Community Service Award.

As a fourth year student at the University of Calgary, Willow has excelled academically with a 3.36 GPA while balancing her commitment to the student-athlete community at U of C. She coaches high school athletes through the Junior Dinos program and leads the varsity women’s rugby mentorship initiative, helping first-year athletes transition into varsity sports. Willow also founded the Dinos R.A.P. (Recovering Athlete Peer support), offering psychological support to injured athletes.

Willow's impact extends beyond campus through her volunteer work with the Calgary Wheelchair Rugby Association and Adapted Physical Activity for Kids (APAK), where she provides support and mentorship. A second-year starter and co-captain for the Dinos rugby team, Willow’s leadership and dedication make her an exemplary student-athlete and community leader.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Graeme Moffat (Lethbridge Pronghorns)

​ ​ ​ ​ • Fourth Season

Graeme Moffat has made a significant impact on the Pronghorns women's rugby program through his charismatic leadership and innovative approach to coaching. A student of the game, he continually brings fresh themes and ideas that inspire athletes, fostering local talent and creating a strong team culture.

Under his guidance, the Pronghorns achieved third place in Canada West this regular season, earning the top spot among Alberta based teams and demonstrating Moffat’s ability to maximize potential and drive performance even with a young and emerging roster.

2024 Canada West Rugby 15s All-Stars ​