NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER DANIELLA GRANT COMMITS TO HUMBER RUGBY
ETOBICOKE, ON: Head coach Dale Essue and the Humber women's rugby program are excited to announce the recent signing of national team player Daniella Grant.
Starting this fall, the OCAA has introduced women's rugby seven's to the docket and the Humber Hawks will be one of the six schools competing in the inaugural season. After changing over from 15's – where Humber won four provincial championships in six seasons - Coach Essue knows the importance of filling a roster with top-class student-athletes like Grant.
"Daniella will be a great addition to the Hawks family," said Coach Essue, who is entering his fourth season at the helm. "She brings a great deal of rugby experience to Humber, having played 15's and seven's at both the Provincial and National level."
Grant first began playing the game as a grade nine student at Bill Crothers Secondary School and her superior skillset was immediately notable. In no time at all, Grant began to attract Provincial and National attention.
"Daniella has outstanding pace and refined rugby skills which will serve her well going in our Inaugural Seven's season," added Coach Essue. "I have no doubt she will be a natural leader on the team and will fit in great with our returning student-athletes and culture."
Along with playing for her school, Grant has nurtured her skills with the Aurora Barbarians where she's been a member for the last three years and was a member of Rugby Ontario's under-16 15's team in 2014 and the under-18 squad last year.
In April, Rugby Canada sent their inaugural U18 women's team to England to compete in a two match series against England's U18. In the second match, Canada received an early lead after a try from Grant; however England was able to come back and win 17-10.
"Humber has a well-rounded rugby program," said Grant when asked why she chose Humber College. "I wanted to take the college pathway with my post-secondary education, making Humber the easy choice."
When Grant arrives to tryouts, she will already know a couple Hawks who played on the team last season. OCAA All-Star Christina Branch was her teammate in 2015, competing for Ruby Ontario's U18 team. Grant was also teammates with Emilee Maclean when they played together for the Aurora Barbarians.
The OCAA season officially begins for women's rugby seven's on September 24, when Humber hosts the first tournament of the year.
Quick Facts:
Height: 5'5
What do you like to do aside from your sport? "Be with family and friends. Ski. Swim. Teach kids how to play rugby."
Favourite athlete of all-time: "Lou Chen (Aurora Barbarians)"
