1. What advice would you give to young female athletes at Shawnigan?
Be proactive! Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. If you're interested in a new position or skill, go for it! Ask questions, seek feedback, and take charge of your athletic journey. At the same time, stay coachable. Listen to your coaches, take their advice, and apply it. The best athletes are the ones who are always learning. Also, lead by example. The little things matter—respecting the facilities and equipment, keeping the changeroom clean, and being responsible all reflect your commitment to the team. It’s about setting the right standard for those around you. And finally, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Understand that with failure comes growth. Approach new experiences and challenges with a growth mindset, recognizing them as opportunities to learn and evolve. Whether it's trying a new role on the field or pushing through a tough training session, every challenge is a chance to get better. Embrace it.
2. Can you share a memorable moment from your sports career that shaped who you are today?
During Spring Break 2023, I went home to Hong Kong and was supposed to return early for the BC Bears ID camp. But while packing, I realized I couldn’t find my passport. I was convinced I had missed my chance and was honestly devastated. I emailed Jen Ross, the coach, to explain what had happened, and she was incredibly understanding. She let me know there’d be another opportunity—and even though I didn’t realize it at the time, that email actually helped get me on her radar. That second chance led to me playing for the BC U18 team that year, and eventually being selected for the Top 40 U18 Canada West Camp. Working with Jen and Jake has completely changed the direction of my rugby journey. Their support and belief in me opened doors I never expected. Though I don’t recommend losing your passport, reaching out and putting yourself out there is so important. You never know who’s watching—or how one moment can lead to so many opportunities being created.
3. How has being an athlete influenced your life beyond sports?
Being an athlete has given me some of the most meaningful friendships in my life. There's something really special about the bond you build with teammates—through all the training, wins, losses, and everything in between. It creates this sense of trust and loyalty that extends far beyond the field. One of the coolest things about rugby especially is that it’s like a global family. No matter where I go in the world, if I join a local rugby club, I instantly have 30 new friends who have my back. That kind of built-in community is something really unique to sport, and it’s taught me how powerful connection, teamwork, and shared goals can be in every part of life.
4. What was a lesson you learned through sports that you still carry with you?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through sports is that success doesn’t come without hard work, commitment, and a lot of discipline. You have to stay focused and be willing to put in the effort. It’s taught me how to be resilient and how to push through setbacks. And, even when things don’t go your way, if you know that you gave it absolutely everything, that you trained hard, showed up, and didn’t take shortcuts—that’s a win in itself.
5. Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
My rugby journey wouldn’t have even started without my dad. He was the one who first signed me up when I was 11, and he's the reason why any of this happened in the first place. From day one, he saw something in me and encouraged me to give this sport a shot, and I’m so glad I did. Since then, I’ve been incredibly lucky to be coached by Shannon Atkins and Laura Russell at Shawnigan. They have had an incredible impact on my rugby journey. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without their support, guidance, and belief in me. They’ve not only helped develop my skills on the field, but also shaped my mindset and confidence as an athlete. Laura has been a constant presence in my rugby life, coaching me from high school all the way to the age-grade national level. Her experience, leadership, and trust in me pushed me to levels I didn’t know I could reach. Shannon has this amazing ability to see the potential in players before they see it in themselves. She challenged me to tap into who I am as a player, and gave me the space and support to grow into that. They’ve brought out the very best in me. I’m incredibly lucky to have had them in my corner. I carry the lessons I’ve learnt while under their coaching with me every step of the way, and for that I’m forever grateful.
