Val Gompf’s rugby career had a very humble beginning in 1979. She began playing team handball after moving to Winnipeg from southwest Manitoba and some team-mates (mostly wives/girlfriends of rugby players) formed a side to give rugby a try. At the time the Wanderers was the only other senior women’s team in Winnipeg so the girls had to travel if they wanted any other competition. Who would have thought Val would end up representing not only Manitoba but Canada.
Val played rugby for the Wasp Women’s Athletic Association. Her small stature, strength and toughness were tailor made for the hooker position. She was a real leader and a key member of any forward pack she was part of. Val was also never at a loss to provide encouraging words and suggestions to her fellow players throughout games. Val was a member of the Manitoba provincial squad for many years up to 2001.
Val represented Canada internationally on Canada’s Senior Women’s Team as a hooker from 1988-1991. Her first international match was against the American Eagles in Saranac Lake in 1988. This was followed by a match in 1989 when Canada hosted the USA in Edmonton. Val was a member of the Canadian team for the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991 in Wales. The team played against New Zealand and Wales in their pool, losing to NZ and tying Wales. They went on to win the Plate competition after prevailing over the Soviet Union, Italy and Spain.
As a Level 2 certified coach Val devoted 9 years to coaching a high school team. She coached at Springfield High in Oakbank, choosing that school as it reminded her of her own rural roots.
Throughout her playing years Val also contributed to the organizational side of the sport – she was a member of the Executive of her club for many years. She was also the president of the Women’s Rugby Division in the mid 90s and sat on the Manitoba Rugby Union board as the women’s representative in that capacity.
Val’s 23 year rugby career came to an end when work commitments became such that she could no longer devote her time to the sport she loves. She still occasionally pops out to the pitch to watch a match and keeps in touch with friends made over the years.
Val played rugby for the Wasp Women’s Athletic Association. Her small stature, strength and toughness were tailor made for the hooker position. She was a real leader and a key member of any forward pack she was part of. Val was also never at a loss to provide encouraging words and suggestions to her fellow players throughout games. Val was a member of the Manitoba provincial squad for many years up to 2001.
Val represented Canada internationally on Canada’s Senior Women’s Team as a hooker from 1988-1991. Her first international match was against the American Eagles in Saranac Lake in 1988. This was followed by a match in 1989 when Canada hosted the USA in Edmonton. Val was a member of the Canadian team for the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991 in Wales. The team played against New Zealand and Wales in their pool, losing to NZ and tying Wales. They went on to win the Plate competition after prevailing over the Soviet Union, Italy and Spain.
As a Level 2 certified coach Val devoted 9 years to coaching a high school team. She coached at Springfield High in Oakbank, choosing that school as it reminded her of her own rural roots.
Throughout her playing years Val also contributed to the organizational side of the sport – she was a member of the Executive of her club for many years. She was also the president of the Women’s Rugby Division in the mid 90s and sat on the Manitoba Rugby Union board as the women’s representative in that capacity.
Val’s 23 year rugby career came to an end when work commitments became such that she could no longer devote her time to the sport she loves. She still occasionally pops out to the pitch to watch a match and keeps in touch with friends made over the years.