RUGBY: UBC's Shoshanah Seumanutafa named Player of the Year

CALGARY - UBC's Shoshanah Seumanutafa has earned the conference's Player of the Year award, on the same day her Thunderbirds won their third-straight conference title.

The Thunderbirds' coach, Dean Murten, is also taking home several honours from the CW Championships in Edmonton as the 2022 Rugby 15s Coach of the Year. Rounding out the major award winners are Rookie of the Year, Carissa Norsten of Victoria, and Karlee Durfey, who earns the Student-Athlete Community Service Award.

The conference also released its 2022 All-Star roster after the finals match Sunday, studded with seven UBC Thunderbirds.

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS & ALL-STARS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Shoshanah Seumanutafa

Seumanutafa has shown her brilliance in 2022, contributing greatly both with and without the ball. The fifth-year was the glue in UBC's impressive backline, as she made plays for both herself and her teammates with ease. ​

Seumanutafa scored two tries this regular season, and added another when it mattered most, in the conference finals. Her sheer athleticism, smarts and determination made her a central cog in the Thunderbirds' unbeaten season.

Seumanutafa has now helped UBC to three straight conference titles, and has captured this prestigious award in her graduating year.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Carissa Norsten

A versatile back for the Vikes, Norsten has started all seven matches for the Vikes in her first 15s season. Registering four tries for the Vikes by using her speed and agileness to her advantage, Norsten can often be found breaking away from defenders and getting the ball in the end zone.

Highlighted by a two-try effort to help the Vikes to their third-straight Jenny Vincent Memorial Game, Sept. 18, the first-year also added a try against Lethbridge, Sept. 22 and in the Canada West semifinals, Oct. 20 against Calgary.

Carissa Norsten impressed with her speed and agility in her first season, registering four tries for the Victoria Vikes.

Her toughness was highlighted as she broke away from defenders, threatening the west in her rookie year.

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Karlee Durfey

Durfey wins the CW Student-Athlete Community Service award again in 2022 for her continued remarkable contribution to her community, while maintaining high standards of athletics and academics.

Durfey has created her own non-profit organization for children battling cancer, organizing a charity rugby game that brought in thousands to help these struggling families. It's an event Durfey has committed to continue beyond her time with the Pronghorns.

The fifth-year also volunteers at the local food bank every week to feed the hungry in her community. She also volunteers with the Sage Clan, giving out lunches, water, clothing and naloxone to those in need. She's a Big Sister and a mentor to youth, as well as a rugby coach at Raymond High School.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Dean Murten

Dean Murten earns his third-straight CW Coach of the Year title as his UBC Thunderbirds take home their third-straight conference banner. Murten guided the T-Birds to a bronze medal in his first year with the team, before elevating the program's status to gold. That's a status they've maintained since 2019.

Murten has spent significant time growing the game in Canada, as the national team coach for the 17 and under, 18 and under, and 19 and under squads. The UBC Thunderbirds have now gone unbeaten in two straight Canada West seasons (2020-21 missed due to COVID-19).

ALL-STARS