Overview

The Carleton University Women’s Rugby Team proudly enters its 14th year as a varsity program in 2025, continuing to uphold a tradition of excellence, resilience, and leadership that defines the Ravens legacy. Over the past decade, the program has grown into a respected force in U Sports rugby, driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, and community.

As the Ravens move into their off-season, the team’s pursuit of excellence continues. Players will train multiple times per week—both in the gym and on the indoor pitch—and compete in 7’s tournaments throughout the winter, refining their skills and preparing for the season ahead.

Your generosity will strengthen the foundation for the next generation of Ravens. Funds raised will directly support:

• Training facilities and performance equipment, providing the tools our athletes need to reach their full potential.

• Travel and competition opportunities, including a spring tour designed to challenge and elevate the team’s performance.

• Leadership and development initiatives, fostering growth both on and off the field.

Beyond the pitch, the team continues to lead through service. The Ravens regularly organize and participate in community initiatives—from breast cancer awareness campaigns to holiday fundraisers—demonstrating the same spirit of teamwork and compassion that they bring to the game.

By supporting Our Legacy, Our Future, you’re helping to sustain a program that empowers student-athletes to excel, give back, and carry forward the proud tradition of Ravens rugby. Together, we can ensure that the legacy built over the past 14 years continues to inspire generations to come.

The Background

Our team members balance their rigorous rugby training with full-time studies and part-time jobs or volunteer positions. These dedicated student-athletes are relentless in their pursuit of personal and team growth throughout the off-season and into the upcoming year.

For every alumna who wore the jersey and every Raven yet to come—your support keeps our legacy alive. Donations strengthen our training environment, enhance our equipment, and open doors to new competitive opportunities. Together, we build a lasting future for women’s rugby at Carleton

The Rollout

Funds raised through this campaign will be used to directly enhance the training, development, and competitive opportunities of the Carleton University Women’s Rugby Team. Each investment supports our ongoing mission to provide a high-performance environment that fosters excellence, leadership, and long-term success for our student-athletes.

Equipment Upgrades

Ensure athletes have access to safe, high-quality training tools that mirror the standards of elite-level programs.

• Replacing and upgrading tackle shields, bags, and pads to improve training quality and safety.

• Acquiring additional contact and skill development equipment to support individualized and small-group sessions.

Spring Development Tour

Provide meaningful competition and experiential learning opportunities to accelerate athlete and team growth.

• Funding travel, accommodation, and logistics for a spring tour to compete against high-caliber programs from other regions.

• Offering players exposure to diverse playing styles and environments, strengthening tactical awareness and adaptability.

• Building team cohesion, leadership, and shared experience essential for success in the U SPORTS season.

Program Sustainability and Growth

Invest in the continued growth and visibility of women’s rugby at Carleton University.

• Supporting ongoing leadership, mentorship, and community engagement initiatives led by players and alumni.

• Ensuring resources are available to maintain a professional, athlete-centered program that attracts and develops top talent.

Support the Growing Roster of Student-Athletes

Create a functional, inclusive, and high-performance space that accommodates the growing roster of student-athletes.

• Expanding seating and storage capacity to support a larger roster in our team room.

• Upgrading technology for video analysis, team meetings, and performance review.

• Enhancing the overall environment with improved organization and professional design to reflect program pride and values.

The Impact

This campaign supports the holistic development of student-athletes who balance academic excellence with high-performance sport. By improving training facilities and resources, players are better able to manage their time, reduce stress, and perform at their best both in the classroom and on the field. The discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills honed through rugby directly translate to academic success in demanding university programs. The program also fosters leadership and communication skills that prepare athletes for success in their professional careers—particularly in fields such as engineering, business, and health sciences.

The enhanced training environment and expanded opportunities will allow each athlete to reach her full potential, both as a player and as a person. Access to quality equipment, mentorship, and team-building experiences cultivates confidence, resilience, and self-discipline. The spring tour and year-round training promote adaptability, independence, and goal-setting—qualities that extend far beyond sport.

Beyond competition, the team strives to be a positive force within the Carleton and Ottawa communities. A revitalized team room will serve not only as a training space but as a hub for organizing outreach initiatives—such as breast cancer awareness fundraisers, holiday drives, and youth rugby mentorship programs. The campaign’s investments will empower players to give back more effectively, expanding their reach and reinforcing Carleton’s reputation as a university that develops leaders of character and compassion.

By supporting Our Legacy, Our Future, donors are investing in more than equipment or facilities—they are helping shape capable, confident, and community-minded women who will carry the Ravens legacy into every field they enter. The academic, personal, and community impact of this campaign will endure long after the final whistle.