Currently residing south of the border in the state of Iowa and looking to start a youth rugby program in Scott County, Angela Ploegman enjoyed a relatively short but remarkable playing career during the 1990’s. Her talents on the field were to garner her the respect of players and coaches alike, lead to national attention, and serve to inspire other young women in Manitoba to not only play the game, but to pursue it to the highest levels.
Angela played eight seasons (1990 – 1997) with the Wanderers Rugby Football Club serving throughout that period as the team’s captain or co-captain and leading the team to 3 consecutive Women’s Provincial Championships in 1995, 1996 and 1997. During this same eight year span, Angela played for the Manitoba Senior Women’s Team and served as team captain from 1995 to 1997.
Her provincial team exploits were to garner Angela national attention when she was invited in 1995 to attend the Rugby Canada Under 25 National Women’s Development Camp in Victoria, BC. Making the most of that opportunity, Angela was long listed for the Canadian Women’s National Team in 1995, 1996 and again in 1997. In 1996 Angela was short listed for the Canada Cup in Edmonton, AB. where she earned her 1st Cap in a game played against France. This was to be followed in 1997 when Angela was again short listed for the Canada vs US Eagles exhibition game in Toronto, ON. and employed as a substitute against the US Eagles A team.
In addition to her accomplishments as a player, Angela served as Vice-President of the Women’s Rugby Division in 1998 and added to that, time dedicated to the coaching ranks. In 1994 Angela, along with Krista Barkman and Shannon Ploegman, started the girl’s rugby program at Mennonite Brethern Collegiate Institute (MBCI) where Angela remained to co-coach the team for three years. In 1997, St. Mary’s Academy girls program was to see Angela as its new head coach and during the 1996 and 1997 seasons, Angela served to coach the Wanderers RFC Colts’ team.
Angela was an impact player blessed with an impact personality. Few who crossed her path were spared her rugby laud, with many taking up the cause and strapping on the cleats to play the game we love.
Angela played eight seasons (1990 – 1997) with the Wanderers Rugby Football Club serving throughout that period as the team’s captain or co-captain and leading the team to 3 consecutive Women’s Provincial Championships in 1995, 1996 and 1997. During this same eight year span, Angela played for the Manitoba Senior Women’s Team and served as team captain from 1995 to 1997.
Her provincial team exploits were to garner Angela national attention when she was invited in 1995 to attend the Rugby Canada Under 25 National Women’s Development Camp in Victoria, BC. Making the most of that opportunity, Angela was long listed for the Canadian Women’s National Team in 1995, 1996 and again in 1997. In 1996 Angela was short listed for the Canada Cup in Edmonton, AB. where she earned her 1st Cap in a game played against France. This was to be followed in 1997 when Angela was again short listed for the Canada vs US Eagles exhibition game in Toronto, ON. and employed as a substitute against the US Eagles A team.
In addition to her accomplishments as a player, Angela served as Vice-President of the Women’s Rugby Division in 1998 and added to that, time dedicated to the coaching ranks. In 1994 Angela, along with Krista Barkman and Shannon Ploegman, started the girl’s rugby program at Mennonite Brethern Collegiate Institute (MBCI) where Angela remained to co-coach the team for three years. In 1997, St. Mary’s Academy girls program was to see Angela as its new head coach and during the 1996 and 1997 seasons, Angela served to coach the Wanderers RFC Colts’ team.
Angela was an impact player blessed with an impact personality. Few who crossed her path were spared her rugby laud, with many taking up the cause and strapping on the cleats to play the game we love.