"The Panther community is a tight-knit group who support and encourage each other."

Meet Ria, UPEI Biology student and women's rugby Panther athlete

Sep 5, 2024 | UPEI Viewbook 2025

What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I was born in Kawasaki, Japan and moved to Prince Edward Island when I was eight years old. I’ve lived in Charlottetown ever since, so I became very familiar with the campus, the sport teams, and events even before I started to apply to universities. I remember going to the haunted mansion that the UPEI music program had put on and I remember being petrified in the best way by the end. I also remember in junior high when my class had the opportunity to look at some of the inventions made by the university’s engineering students and being in absolute awe, amazed at what they were able to create. And, I remember watching and supporting the UPEI Panthers in various sports and always wishing that someday I would get to play in the green and white jersey.

a UPEI rugby Panther running with a ball

What are the best things about being a UPEI Panther athlete?

One of the best things about being a Panther athlete is the sense of being a part of a larger family. The UPEI Panther community is a tight knit group of athletes, coaches, and staff members who support and encourage one another. No matter what sport a Panther plays, other Panther athletes and coaches support you both on and off of the field.

What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, Athletics and Recreation Staff, and UPEI faculty members?

I was initially worried about balancing my academics and athletics, but those worries disappeared very quickly after starting UPEI! Students have access to amazing help with different academic advisors who help greatly in scheduling courses with practices and game times. As athletes, students also have the opportunity to register for courses before others, which helps if you are concerned about not getting enrolled in a certain course on time. Faculty members are also very accommodating in re-scheduling missed tests or assignments due to sporting events and related commitments. If there are any issues, UPEI Athletics and Recreation staff are always there to help resolve issues. As for my teammates and classmates, the support and encouragement from them is what has really helped me get through so far in my university career. UPEI has an amazing community of students, faculty, staff, coaches, and teammates—without them, I wouldn't have such a great university experience.

"I remember watching and supporting the UPEI Panthers in various sports and always wishing that someday I would get to play in the green and white jersey."

What is it like playing in a National Championship?

Competing in the Nationals was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. The experience of playing against the best athletes in the country was incredible and an opportunity that I definitely cannot take for granted. I learned so much from just watching and playing against such high-calibre athletes. I hope I’m fortunate enough to play in more National Championships!

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

PEI is a small province which makes for a tight-knit community. When you go to the grocery store, the local library, or the gym, you will see at least one person you know. PEI is a friendly and relatively safe place to be. It’s small, but has everything you need within just a few minutes and it's very easy to get from one place to another.

a UPEI biology student in a laboratory using a microscope

What would you tell a high school student considering UPEI and UPEI Athletics?

If you are thinking of attending UPEI or joining a team and becoming a Panther, I definitely think that you are making a great choice! UPEI is a great university with many opportunities to learn and become the best student you can be. With many clubs, events, and programs to be a part of, UPEI is not only a place where you learn about different subjects but also a place to meet amazing people who share similar interests. It is a great environment to be in. Getting involved in at least one of the numerous clubs or societies at UPEI or sports teams is a great way to meet a new group of people.

What are your general plans after graduation?

With my degree in biology, I hope to work in the field of health care in the future. This I feel requires additional education, but with the addition of a new medical school at UPEI I hope that I might be fortunate enough to continue my studies in the health care field at UPEI someday.