Emily Southwood –
Haut Saint Laurent native Erika Scott continues to wow with a recent RSEQ (Réseau du Sport Étudiant du Quebec) All-Star nod.
The CVR graduate from Dewittville currently plays at the university level for the Bishop’s Gaiters. Scott scored 12 tries in seven games (the second most in the RSEQ) and was team MVP in three games this season. She was also named RSEQ Athlete of the Week on Sept. 25 and earned Bishop’s Gaiters ‘Provigo-Robert Lafond’ Athlete of the Week on three occasions, helping propel the team to its best season since 2009.
Although Scott participated in Track and Field and not Rugby in high school (mom wasn’t so keen on ruining an investment in braces) she has found success quickly in university. From 2016 to 2017 the young athlete travelled to Victoria BC to train with the Rugby Canada development team as part of the National Senior Women’s Sevens team. “It was a great experience and a full time job,” she recounts, with one of the highlights a win in a big Las Vegas stadium in front of many cheering fans.
Now back at Bishops and attending six courses on top of her athletic commitments, Scott has little free time. “It keeps me very busy,” she says. “But it’s also rewarding, especially to see new players develop.” Her coach Tom Whyld, in his first year heading up the program, echoed Erika’s team spirit and dedication: “The all star nomination really puts testament to all the hours she puts in on and off the field trying to improve herself and the team. She will be the first to tell you that none of this is possible without the other 14 on the pitch which shows you how far we have come as a team.”
What’s next for Scott includes continuing on her trajectory at Bishops with her eye towards her final year. She has also recently taken up a possible interest in pursuing Skeleton—known to laypeople as that version of luge that happens headfirst (at 130kmh no less). Scott attended a training camp in Waterloo QC to learn how to push a sled and jump on. “It was really fun,” she says of the experience. She was since recruited to attend more training in Calgary but passed on it, as it’s not currently a funded sport. For now, the talented Scott plans to keep playing rugby with the Gaiters for the 7’s series this winter and complete her degree in Education.
