Drimonis: McGill's Martlets in last ditch play to save their rugby team

I have a soft spot for women’s sports. Mostly because I spent most of my formative teen years, and later, in my 20s and 30s, as a member of competitive sports teams.

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As a teen I could have never imagined a time when I wouldn’t be spending every day at a basketball court perfecting my layup, while in my 30s I spent the decade competing with paddling clubs.

I know the grind of 6 a.m. training sessions and the sound of a coach’s voice relentlessly repeating practice drills. I remember the commitment it takes, but also the sheer joy of competition and camaraderie. Many of the women I competed with (and against) are still close friends today.

So when McGill alumnus and former women’s rugby player Briana Yerbury reached out about a last-ditch fundraiser — ending this Sunday — to save the rugby program, I felt compelled to help. Especially since I know the drudgery of team fundraising well.

“Rugby really made me who I am,” the Montrealer told me. “It instilled the best values in me: resilience, sacrifice and perseverance.”

I could have spoken those words myself. Sports transform you. For women, athletic competition is also a way of defying societal stereotypes and expectations, and focusing on what your body can do, not what it looks like. It’s an amazing lesson for young girls to be taught early on.

Last November, McGill University announced it would discontinue

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