A Maritime university student is in the running for Canadian Interuniversity Sport’s female athlete of the year after setting some impressive rugby records.
Emma Taylor is the only St. Francis Xavier University student to have won three national championships. She was also named tournament MVP at the 2014 nationals.
“If you asked me in my first year if I ever would have pictured myself being in the position I’m in now, I would have said ‘no way’,” says the Scotsburn, N.S. native.
Taylor’s decorated varsity career has earned her a nomination for CIS female athlete of the year. The winner will be announced at the annual BLG Awards in Calgary in May 4.
“I can’t think of anything that makes me happier than playing rugby,” says Taylor.
“Love going to practice. I love going to the games. Obviously, I love watching rugby. When I work out I think of how much better of a rugby player it will make me.”
Mike Cavanagh has been the women’s rugby coach at StFX during the team’s dominant seasons, leading them to win four national titles in eight years.
He says Taylor is simply one of the best.
“Emma’s a great leader, on and off the field,” says Cavanagh.
“She carries herself so well. The bigger the game, the better she played. As soon as she walked on the field, she made everyone better.”
Kara Taylor says her daughter has enjoyed rugby since high school, but she admits it took her a little longer to appreciate the sport.
“I think it’s a great sport,” she says. “It’s a little more difficult as a parent to watch your child play, but in regards to watching anybody else play, it’s very exciting.”
Taylor plans to continue playing rugby after graduation. Her long-term goal is to represent Canada at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“I wouldn't have traded any of my experiences for anything,” she says.
“The wins were perfect. The losses taught you lessons. So really it just worked out the best it could.”
Taylor will be named to the StFX Sports Hall of Fame following graduation.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh
