Wednesday, June 27, 2012 - Submitted by RC Fund Development
The Alberta’s Senior Women’s team want nothing more than to defend their 2011 National Women’s League this weekend and Andrea Letal is no exception.
The 24-year-old winger and fullback from Calgary, who celebrates her birthday on July 6, feels she is more than prepared when the 2012 NWL starts on Thursday in Quebec City.
The Calgary Hornets product first found interest in rugby during her second year in high school, where she first discovered the sport.
“I watched my brother play rugby and fell in love; I told myself I’d play in high school too,” Letal said. “After my first game in grade 10, I was addicted.”
That would be the first chapter of a storied career in the sport. Andrea took interest in club rugby immediately following her first run on a school team. She joined the Calgary Irish as soon as the season started.
“In the summer I started playing senior women’s club rugby at the age of 15 and never turned back.”
Andrea is extremely confident going into the NWL, as she is no stranger to provincial rugby. She started with two years of U17, two more in U19 and she is about to go into her sixth year at the senior level.
One of her most treasured accomplishments, however, was representing Canada U19 at Shawnigan Lake School, where the squad overcame England in one of the most legendary games in U19.
But her achievements don’t stop there. She joined the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, where she played for the University 7s team. She recalled the highlights of her campaign in post-secondary rugby.
“Winning CIS Nationals my senior year and having my whole family supporting me in the stands” Letal said. “And to top it all off, I received an All-Star award and was named Tournament MVP.”
Following University, Andrea moved on to the national senior 7s level, where she represented Canada in the Amsterdam and San Diego competitions in 2011. She earned a spot on the Maple Leafs that same year and played for them in the Vegas competition.
Earning a spot on a Canadian national team is something few and far between can accomplish but, Andrea knows it will take even more work to maintain a position in the level every Canadian player is gunning for. For now, Andrea has her sights set on the NWL.
“I’m excited about defending Alberta’s title and looking forward to playing a high calibre of rugby.”
Alberta’s NWL campaign starts Thursday at 2:30 PM against the Quebec Caribou.
For more information, visit the NWL website at: www.nwlrugby.com
