Thomas Beck

Shawville July 28, 2021 

Grace Younge’s rugby career has been all about growth and development as an athlete. 

The Shawville native’s rise to playing at the university level has spanned over three years and began right here in the Pontiac. Younge started playing in the Spring of 2018 with Pontiac High School in their inaugural season. She then played two seasons with Heritage College and most recently was recruited by Concordia University in the summer of 2020. 

Younge was overwhelmed at first and quit rugby. She contacted her head coach, Parisa Rostami, to let her know she was walking away after her first year at Heritage.  

“I sat and I thought ‘What would my life be like without rugby?’ and that was the moment where I realized that in almost not having it, it’s something that I need in my life.” said Younge,

Rostami played a big role in helping Younge catch her stride by moving her up to play forward. That position change made a big difference in Younge’s attitude towards her play as it seemed like she had finally discovered her place on the field.

“She found a huge amount of self-confidence on and off the field and a new passion for rugby.” Rostami added.

At the time of her rookie season, Heritage was going through a rebuilding phase, Rostami described how big of a role Grace played in helping speed that process along. 

“She was an integral part of that team.” she said.

“Her with that group of other core members is the foundation that I think is going to keep the team running as we rebuild, so I think she was a huge part of rebranding this team.”

Rostami also spoke highly of how quickly Younge was able to adapt what she had learned from practices into her game.

“Applying those things and recognizing she was growing as an athlete was inspiring to see as a coach.”

Grace touched on how she likes to play with an offensive edge in her game and how she plays an aggressive style of rugby.

“I really like to drive forward, I like to deke, I like to get around people.”

“I like to go in very hungry for action and to get the ball and run with it.” she added.

She spoke with a lot of pride when asked about making it on Concordia’s squad. USports is the highest level for collegiate/university sports in Canada.

“Honestly, it’s the most excited I’ve been in my entire life and it’s the proudest I’ve felt in my entire life. It makes me feel really honoured to be representing my little high school on a big field.” said Younge.

The cancellation of her freshman season with the Concordia Stingers took a toll on Younge. However, she was able to use the extra time this year to connect with teammates and create a stronger bond going into the season. 

“It makes you want to better yourself so that you’re not going to be disappointing your teammates next year.” she said.

Grace will make her debut with the club this fall as Concordia will start their season off in Québec City against the University of Laval.