Sonya Foulds has been a life-long athlete and returned to the Rugby pitch this season after a hiatus to start her family. She is a dedicated mother of three children, now two after daughter Starr sadly passed.

Sonya describes being on the Rugby pitch as a euphoric feeling. Our sport has deeply impacted her life and she is grateful now to share her passion with her new family, who accompany her to practices and matches.  

“Every day I wake up, I am the person I am because of Rugby. I hope my children can look up to me as an athlete and be inspired,” she reflects. “I feel my daughter Starr looking down on me from heaven and giving me so much power.”  

Sonya uses Rugby as a motivating tool to push herself physically and mentally and hopes her children will one day feel the same way about the Sport she loves.  

Jerusha Dunsmore has an impressive Rugby resume. In 2017, she was awarded the Abbotsford 300 Game Award after playing in 300 matches for the Club and has been a consistent presence on the pitch before, between and after having her two children.  

Jerusha is dedicated and driven, often only requesting a few minutes of playing time and instead receiving ‘Player of the Match’ after finishing a full 80 minutes. Her love of the game and the community at Abbotsford brings her back season after season, remaining loyal to the Club despite moving to North Vancouver.  

Kayt Etsell is both a Rugby player and Coach and returned to the pitch this season after having her newborn and healing from injury.  

Despite taking a few years off, Kayt has loved being back to full contact and feels lucky to be able to take on the physical challenges of the game.  

“We’ve had a few special women who have been big influencers in redefining what it means to be a mom while also pursuing items that are important as an individual,” she shared. “In this stage of life, pursuit while being a mom is directly linked with support and I really feel this from my family, teammates, and Club.”  

Steph Weibe believes strongly that Rugby shaped her life in a positive way. After having her 18-month-old, she hopes that she can be a role model for her child by showing her that you can always find opportunities to re-enter Sport regardless of physical or mental boundaries.  

“Rugby is such a big piece of me, and nothing else quite compares to lacing up those cleats and throwing on that Abbotsford jersey. I hope to be able to show my daughter that you can continue to follow your passions into adulthood.” 

Elyssa Chalmers is a mother of two boys under the age of two. Rugby has been a big part of her life as an athlete, and as the place where she has met amazing people including her husband. After having kids and returning to training, Elyssa’s view on who and what an athlete is has shifted.  

“Recovering post-partum, your body doesn’t feel like your own and it can be scary, but this game is a part of me. I want to show my kids who their mom is.”  

Through the support she received from team-mates and the Club environment, Elyssa wants to continue to push herself and show her kids her resilience and love for Rugby.  

“The boys keep me going and inspire me to keep being me because I want them to know the version of me that is fearless and just gets things done.”

Importantly to Elyssa, she hopes to inspire other players who have children to continue following their passions even if life changes and your family grows.