Concordia Stinger Hughanna Gaw became the first player from the Quebec Student Sports Federation to claim CIS Rookie of the Year honors when the major awards and all-Canadians for women’s rugby were announced at an all-Canadian gala in Vancouver last night.
Gaw, a 21-year-old native of Elgin, Que., had an immediate impact in her university debut leading the Stingers in tackles while chipping in offensively with two tries for 10 points in six regular season outings. Statistics that proved good enough for a spot on the QSSF all-star team.
Following a 5-1 regular schedule, she helped the Stingers capture a second conference banner in three years and a CIS tournament berth with a 13-10 upset win in overtime over first-place Laval in the QSSF final.
Gaw, who also suits up for the 2009 Quebec club champion Ormstown Saracens, was a member of Canada’s U20 squad and of the Quebec provincial team.
“Hughanna’s play this year has been phenomenal for a rookie,” said Concordia head coach Graeme McGravie. “We’ve asked her to assume a lot of responsibility on the pitch, and she has embraced this role and excelled at it. Defensively, she is a beast. I expect big things from her at this level. I think she has the ability to play for Team Canada.”
