The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s rugby program received a boost today with the commitment of national and provincial team member Sydney De La Mare for the 2016 season.

“Sydney has high praise from all the coaches involved in her brief rugby experience,” says Horns head coach Ric Suggitt. “In speaking with a number of them, we find all the qualities that we are searching for in a student athlete; Sydney is intelligent and thoughtful and that does not surprise me. Her physical attributes are also second to none, she is big, strong and fast.”

De La Mare, a St. Albert, Alta. product, just returned from a tour in England with the Canadian U18 team. De La Mare started the first game at lock and was a reserve for game two.

“The University of Lethbridge was a perfect choice for me,” says De La Mare. “First, the school is ranked #3 by Macleans for undergraduate degrees, I was accepted into a combined degree program in kinesiology and education, and the rugby program has been growing tremendously. I am also very excited to be playing for Ric and I can’t wait to get to work.”

De La Mare has also suited up for the Alberta U18 team and is a member of the St. Albert Rugby Football Club. The 5’10” lock or number 8 also played at Paul Kane High School in St. Albert.

“Syd is a fantastic addition to our rugby program and we are expecting her to excel to the highest level of rugby in Canada,” says Suggitt.

The Horns will continue to add to this year’s recruiting class in the coming months and will host the Canada West Championships in the fall.