UPEI Rugby welcomes back Ashley MacDonald
Ashley MacDonald is a well known name to UPEI women's rugby. UPEI is excited to announce that the former Panther is coming back to the University to take on the role of assistant coach for the UPEI women's rugby team for the 2013 season.
As a Panther, MacDonald was an AUS all star and AUS Rookie of the Year. In 2005, she was a CIS All-Canadian and for the next two years, she was granted the same honour when she played rugby for the University of Lethbridge.
'Having Ashley's experience and expertise will greatly add to the refinement of technical skills for the UPEI team-especially in the front row,' said Shannon Atkins, Head Coach of the UPEI women's rugby team. 'Her passion and drive are second to none not only in the sport of rugby, but in the heart and soul of the Panther program. I cannot think of anyone who would be a better asset to the program. The whole team is anxious for her arrival.'
MacDonald has been playing rugby for over 10 years, in PEI, across the country, and around the world. She has been at two Canada West Championships, two CIS National Championships, and has received numerous awards including three CIS All-Canadian awards, four CIS Academic All-Canadian awards, and five Conference All Star awards.
The highest honour for any athlete is to represent their country, and MacDonald has worn the red and white uniform on a number of occasions. In 2010, she was a member of the World Cup Team, and this past summer, she represented Canada at the Senior Women's Nations Cup where she competed against teams from England, South Africa, and the United States.
'I'm very excited to be joining the UPEI Rugby coaching staff for the upcoming season. I'm looking forward to help build a program that allows talented young athletes to develop and excel at a sport we all love,' said MacDonald. 'Varsity sport at UPEI opened so many doors for me, and I'm thankful to have the opportunity to give back to the program which is so near and dear to my heart.'
Congratulations and welcome back, Ashley!
