Cartier Commits To Play Rugby For York University

Wallaceburg’s Hannah Cartier has committed to play University rugby for the York University Lions women’s rugby team next season.

The UCC student plans to study criminology at York while she competes for the women’s rugby team.

“I chose York University for academics because of the terrific criminology program they offer. I hope to become a detective after post-secondary and knowing that York houses one of the best criminology programs in the province was the main influence on my decision,” says Cartier, who is entering York on a scholarship of academic excellence.

“The main reason I chose York was due to the fact that I know other people who attend York and are involved in athletics and absolutely love it,” says Cartier. “Two girls from my home town of Wallaceburg actually attend York and are playing on the basketball team there. Hearing all of the good things the girls had to say about the coaching staff and the facilities really made me want to seize the opportunity I had and experience what it was like to be a York Lion,” added Cartier, mentioning Wallaceburg’s Shauney Fischer and Erin Sarapnickas.

While playing rugby is relatively new for Cartier, who only began competing in the sport 4 years ago as a grade 9, she’s found much success since then including participating in the Ontario Summer Games, helping her Southwest 7s team to a silver medal in 2012, and reaching OFSAA 4 consecutive seasons with the UCC Lancers team. Now, Cartier is excited to take her game to the next level.

“In grade nine, I walked through the gym doors of Ursuline College Chatham not knowing what to expect or even how to play the game of rugby. Now, four years later, I am joining a varsity level team in the fall. The feeling is honestly indescribable and it cannot be put into words. I am so excited to be thrown into this new environment to see where it brings me,” says the Wallaceburg resident, who also plays soccer in her hometown.

“Heading to Toronto next year and playing at a more challenging, competitive level is really exciting for me. I have seen what kind of rugby players Toronto produces through being in the Ontario Summer Games and just attending tournaments with my school team and they are all very skilled and talented.”

Despite the step, Cartier hopes to instantly contribute to York’s roster, while continuing to develop her own game.

“Next season, I am hoping to grow and develop as a player and learn how to better play my position from both the experienced players and the coaching staff. I also hope that I am able to become close with my teammates and that while playing the game I love, I’ll acquire some new friendships in the process.”

While it was her hard work that gained Cartier the opportunity to play next season, she also took time to thank her future coach Joe Costello, UCC coaches Scott Morkin, Jeff Paneuf, and John Buis, UCC teammates, and her parents Martha and Jason Cartier.

The OUA rugby regular season runs from August to October each season. Last season, the York University Lions finished with a 3-3-0 record overall, and were eliminated by the Queens University Gaels in the OUA playoffs.