First Panther rugby player to be inducted into UPEI Sports Hall of Fame
The University of Prince Edward Island is proud to announce that Shannon Gillis-Atkins will be the first Panther rugby representative to be inducted into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame. This prestigious honour recognizes Gillis-Atkins for her outstanding contributions to the sport during her time from 1992–2015.
Gillis-Atkins will be formally recognized for her remarkable achievements and lasting impact on UPEI rugby at an induction ceremony on Saturday, November 2, which coincides with the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship being hosted by UPEI from October 30–November 3.
Leaving an indelible mark on the UPEI rugby program, Gillis-Atkins set the standard for elite athletes who followed in her footsteps. Her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport not only earned her accolades on the field but also inspired teammates and opponents alike. Her leadership both on and off the pitch served as a beacon for excellence within the University’s athletic community.
“When we won the bid for the 2024 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship, it was the perfect opportunity to induct our first rugby representative, and Shannon was a clear choice,” said Jane Vessey, UPEI’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Shannon has contributed immensely to UPEI’s rugby program as a builder, player, and coach, leaving behind a legacy as one of its foundational pillars.”
Gillis-Atkins was the driving force behind UPEI rugby. In 1992, she reached out to friends to establish a club that could compete regionally. Countless hours were dedicated to securing matches, marking the field, and sourcing uniforms, all aimed at bringing rugby to UPEI. In the following years, she tirelessly advocated for UPEI rugby’s elevation to varsity status, achieving success in 2000.
As a tough, hard-nosed flanker with the ability to evade defenders, Gillis-Atkins played 10 years for the Panthers—seven during its club status (1992–99), and three more when the program became a sanctioned varsity team (2000–2002). In those final three seasons, she racked up accolades, earning three Atlantic University Sport (AUS) all-star selections, two CIS First Team All-Canadian awards and Academic All-Canadian awards (2000 and 2001), and AUS MVP honours in 2001.
In the early days of the program, Gillis Atkins served as a player-coach before becoming the team’s assistant coach from 2008–2010. The following season, she was promoted to head coach until the end of the 2015 season.
