Former University of Lethbridge students named to Canada’s Olympic rugby roster

LETHBRIDGE – Two University of Lethbridge graduates have been named to the inaugural Canadian Olympic Women’s Rugby Sevens team.

The former Pronghorn standouts Ashley Steacy and Kayla Moleschi will join the team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games.

Steacy said she was overcome with emotion upon hearing the news she made the Olympic team.

“So much blood, sweat and tears have gone into this goal and it feels amazing to say that I’m going to represent Canada at the Olympics.”

“This year has been a roller coaster with two different knee injuries and having to claw my way back both times, so to hear I had made the team was a very special moment.”

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The 2016 Olympic games in Rio will be the debut for Rugby Sevens at the Olympics. Steacy and Moleschi were both members of the initial group that centralized with the Rugby Sevens national program back in 2012, with hopes of qualifying for the 2016 games.

Moleschi only played one season with the Pronghorns but had an immediate impact, being named the Canada West Rookie of the Year.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Pan Am tracker: Local athletes earn 9 medals at Games 

Steacy meanwhile, had a long and illustrious college career, winning three national championships and two Canadian Interuniversity Sport Player of the Year awards. However, the star athlete believes she’s saved her best for the international stage.

“Being a Pronghorn prepared me for the international stage by ingraining in me a good work ethic and a never-give-up attitude,” Steacy said.

“We took great pride in our defence and work rate and that has definitely transferred to my play on the international stage.”

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Staecy is still in shock that she will be representing Canada at the Olympics.

“It still sounds strange saying it in my head: ‘I’m an Olympian.'”

“It means the world to me. I feel like I’ve done my family and friends proud, my teammates, staff and myself as well.”

The Women’s Rugby Sevens event takes place at Deodoro Stadium from August 6 to 8.

Steacy knows this is just the beginning of a long road ahead.

“We want to bring back a gold medal,” she said. “Twenty-nine more days of hard work.”