Former Rimbey resident Courtney O'Donnell (Holtkamp) couldn't be more pumped about heading to England for the Women's Rugby World Cup later this year.
But first, it's quite the competitive journey to get there - not that O'Donnell isn't prepped, sharply focused and more than ready to get going.
First off, for the Pacific Four Series, Team Canada goes up against the U.S. team on May 2 in Kansas City, followed by match-ups in New Zealand and Australia.
"We won this series last year, beating New Zealand for the first time ever - so we're hoping to go back-to-back this year!"
The team later heads to South Africa from the end of June to mid-July, with game one slated for July 5 in Pretoria followed by another in Gqeberha on July 12.
"Pre-World Cup training (then) starts at the beginning of August, and leads into the World Cup in England starting in mid-August."
Quarter finals run Sept. 13-14, followed by semi-finals from Sept. 19-20, and the bronze and gold medal final which goes Sept. 27.
It's a jam-packed schedule to be sure over the coming months, but O'Donnell not only, as mentioned, has the flat-out skill to be successful; she also has plenty of excitement about a sport she fell in love with during her school days in Rimbey.
It all started with the Rimbey Spartans from Grade 8 to Grade 12. That's when the foundation was laid.
"Coach Ceara Newman helped me get started in rugby; she is the current coach at the high school still, and she is the best," said O'Donnell, who is 25.
Then she moved on for stints with the U18 Red Deer Titans and U18 Alberta for the 2016/2017 season, plus U18 Canada in 2017.
O'Donnell also joined the Red Deer Titans Senior Women's team back in 2018, and still is part of the club to this day.
Also, during her studies at the University of Alberta, she played with the Pandas from 2017-2020.
And of course, she's been on the national Senior Women’s Canadian Team since late 2017.
"I now have 40 'caps' or appearances for Canada on the international stage," said O'Donnell, who is based in Phoenix, Arizona with husband Carter, a professional football player who is originally from Red Deer.
Meanwhile, Courtney would also continue to hone her skills with the Loughborough Lightning - a UK premier club team - for stints in 2020, 2021, 2022, for the first two months of this year as well.
O'Donnell was raised on a dairy farm near Rimbey, so from a young age, helping out was always a priority. And this, in turn, helped to bolster her physical strength.
"I was going to the Christian School at the time, and Coach Newman was recruiting girls to join the rugby team," she recalled. "One of my friends and I decided to try out, and I just fell in love with it.
"I love how physical it is - and how I can really use my strength in it. I had found a sport where I could use my strength to my advantage, and achieve my athletic potential that way."
She completed her schooling at Rimbey High School, where she continued to play. "Then I went to Red Deer and played with the Red Deer Titans - which is still my home club now."
From there, she was scouted provincially.
And as mentioned early, she then delved further into the sport during her university years, where she was working on a degree in kinesiology, graduating in 2022.
Ultimately, it's been a steady climb for O'Donnell from the get-go when it comes to rugby, all fuelled by her tremendous skill for the sport, and again, the joy and fulfillment she finds in playing.
"I've been very blessed with having some great coaches throughout my rugby journey, too. They've always pushed me, they've seen my potential, and they've wanted me to achieve that for myself," she said.
"I think what also keeps me coming back are my teammates - they've become some of my best friends. When training gets tough, at the end of the day, you still have each other," she said. "The camaraderie lasts a lifetime. One day, when I retire, I'm still going to have these life-long friends."
There's no question things are looking bright for O'Donnell.
Her status in rugby is flourishing. She got married earlier this year, plus her career in kinesiology is blossoming. She also enjoys sharing about her experiences with others, and providing teaching on those new to the sport.
For girls in particular who are looking at giving rugby a shot, O'Donnell encourages them to go for it. The benefits go well beyond the thrill of competition.
"If you put in the work, put in the time, and put in the effort, you're going to reap the benefits," she said. "Stick with it. It’s 100 per cent worth it."
It's certainly been a source of fulfillment for Courtney.
"It has shown me I can achieve what I put my mind to," she said. "I'm very grateful for the journey."
To keep up with Team Canada over the next several months, follow them on Instagram (@rugbycanada), or follow Courtney O'Donnell (@court.od).
