Soaring Together: The Rise of Condors Women’s Rugby
Three seasons ago, the Conestoga Condors re-entered the OCAA Women’s Rugby Sevens league with no returning athletes and only a vision of what the future could hold. What followed has been a powerful story of growth, pride, and a team finding its identity together!
The 2023 season was the beginning. The Condors finished 1 and 13, but every practice and every match helped shape the foundation. These athletes were not just building a team. They were building a culture.
Everything began to shift in 2024. The program welcomed experienced playmakers who instantly elevated the group. Veteran attacker Abbey Anderson joined the Condors after competing at the University of Guelph. She brought leadership and a dynamic scoring ability, becoming the first Condor named an OCAA All-Star since the return to league play. Another key addition that year was Anita Ben, who made an immediate impact and earned a spot on the OCAA All-Rookie Team. Together, Abbey and Anita ranked first and second in scoring for Conestoga in both 2024 and 2025, helping establish an identity of speed and confidence.
That season also delivered one of the most emotional stepping stones in the rebuild. With a 15 to 10 victory over Humber, the Condors earned their first win on home turf at Condors Field, located at the Fountain Street Soccer Complex. Players celebrated the milestone surrounded by family, fellow Condors, and friends. It was a moment that validated belief.
In 2025, the belief became reality. The Condors surged to an 11 and 3 regular season record, finishing second in the OCAA. The team also stepped up to host the OCAA Championship on October 25, welcoming the league to Condors Field. Surrounded by supporters, Conestoga capped the year with a bronze medal finish that symbolized everything achieved in such a short time. The bronze medal match showcased how far the program had come, as the Condors defeated the Seneca Sting 24 to 12. Anderson scored two tries and added two conversions for 14 points. Brookelyn Butchart also scored a key try, while first-year standout Michelle Schneider found the try zone once, helping to seal a proud moment on home turf.
The medals were matched by major league recognition in 2025. Anderson earned the title of OCAA Women’s Rugby Sevens Scoring Champion, while Anderson, Ben, and Butchart were named OCAA League All-Stars. Schneider was selected to the OCAA All-Rookie Team. Nearly every layer of the program was recognized for excellence.
Across the three-year journey, the heart of the rise came from student athletes who stayed the course and led through change. Third-year veteran Sierra Mac Rae has been a cornerstone since day one. She has lived every step of the climb. “The difference between the first year and now has been tremendous. To see the team change this much in just a few years has made me proud to say I am a Condor.” The opportunity to close out her career at home made the season even more meaningful. “It meant a lot to play on my home field for my last games. The relationships I have made on the team have impacted my life significantly. Many of the girls have become my best friends.”
Vice captain Kayley Turcotte is the only other athlete who has suited up in every season since the return. She felt the transformation daily. “Going from the bottom in my first year to having an 11 and 3 record and winning a bronze medal was really cool and made all the hard work worth it.” She describes the team as the perfect balance of playful and driven. “We were like a little family. We had tons of fun during practices but could all lock in and focus when needed. I love all the girls so much.”
What makes the rise even more special is how it started. Head coach Andrew Petricca began by recruiting in hallways and classrooms, searching for anyone willing to give rugby a try. “For any program to be remotely successful, athletes need to be put first. We had no returning players when we restarted. To go from that to almost 30 athletes with rugby experience trying out this year is incredible.”
Petricca takes immense pride in what the athletes have accomplished. “They came ready to work. They bought in to what we as a coaching staff were trying to do. They held themselves accountable and wanted to improve every time they took the field.” He also reflected on the deep connections built along the way. “Off the field, this team has always been special. They click on all levels and enjoy being around each other. I could not be happier or more proud of my time here. I feel like I have found a home with the Condors.”
He is quick to highlight that the rise was powered by a full staff effort. “Katelyn McCreary and Maddie Bratton are incredible and were crucial to this success. They put in a ton of work behind the scenes and have a great vision for the game. I am very happy they agreed to be part of this.”
Seven graduating athletes leave as medal winners, a legacy they helped build: Abbey Anderson, Anita Ben, Brookelyn Butchart, Sierra Mac Rae, Molly Merkus, Eva Mensah, and Ava Gooding. Petricca called it a highlight of his career to see them finish at home. “Hosting the OCAA finals and medalling on our own field was amazing. It was especially special for the graduating athletes, and I hope they remember this for a very long time.”
The numbers help tell the story:
49 points scored in 2023
138 points scored in 2024
369 points scored in 2025
Every season learning. Every season stronger. Every season another step forward.
What began as a restart has become a thriving, competitive, and united program. A place where student athletes grow, friendships form, and pride takes flight. The bronze medal is a milestone, but the real victory is the culture the Condors have created together.
The climb continues, and the future looks bright at Condors Field for Condors Women’s Rugby!
#StrivingToSoar