While Jordyn Myers loves playing soccer, it doesn鈥檛 quite offer her all that she is looking for.
More specifically, physicality.
鈥淚n soccer, I was more aggressive than others, and I wasn鈥檛 allowed to hit people like that,鈥 admitted the 14-year-old.
Myers has long been familiar with rugby, watching her dad Adam play with the 91原创 Rugby Club, but she didn鈥檛 try the sport for herself until last year.
And Myers never thought she would even give it a try.
Now? She still loves soccer, but rugby is also competing for her attention.
鈥淪occer was where my heart was at, but now I see myself wanting to do (rugby).鈥
Myers is proving to be a quick learner as well.
She spent last week (Aug. 5 to 10) in Calgary as part of Team B.C.鈥檚 U16 squad at the 2014 National Festival.
The squad went 2-2 in their four-game series against Alberta and Ontario.
鈥淪he has worked really hard and worked her way onto this B.C. team, which is pretty difficult because we have 鈥 especially in the Valley 鈥 a huge crop of up and coming young players,鈥 said Jen Ross, Team B.C.鈥檚 U16 coach.
鈥淪he definitely stood out and was able to get us to notice her for the top 25 in the province.鈥
Myers, the youngest playeron the team, came off the bench for her team, playing a utility back role as a wing and centre.
She scored one try over the four games.
Ross had not coached Myers prior to the tournament.
鈥淚 know having watched her play at the regional championships and at our trials the last two weeks, she is a real optimistic player and she tries very, very hard,鈥 the coach said.
鈥淎t this age, it is more about development (but) she has good fitness, good skill level and a really good attitude.鈥
Myers says her success in the sport is simple.
鈥淚 think it is all about heart and mental decisions,鈥 she explained. 鈥(And) you just have to have the right technique to make the tackles.鈥
She also hopes to continue advancing in the game.
鈥淚 think it is an extremely great experience to be able to travel for rugby,鈥 Myers said.
Heading into Grade 9 at Walnut Grove Secondary when school resumes, Myers plans on playing this upcoming season with both the Gators and the 91原创 Rugby Club鈥檚 girls program.
She also plans to continue playing soccer with 91原创 FC. Myers, who has played at the Metro level and in the High Performance League, will play this season at the Gold level.
She plays fullback or outside centre in soccer.
鈥⑩赌⑩赌
Myers was one of two girls from the 91原创 Rugby Club who played for Team BC in Calgary.
She was joined on the roster by Cloverdale鈥檚 Jordynn Senay.