Caledon’s Elizabeth Gibson taking rugby by storm

Written By ROBERT BELARDI

Most of the time, when people discover they have a talent, it's in something they could never imagine being good at. It's been lingering, beneath the surface, within their very being the whole time. 

To unlock this talent, is quite simple. Keep trying new things and eventually you'll get it right. 

Caledon native Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gibson was playing competitive hockey and soccer for most of her young life. Little did she know the prowess she possessed was in the sport of rugby. In her grade nine year at Mayfield Secondary School, she didn't really know about rugby until her friends convinced her this was a good sport to try. 

 “I was actually looking to try out for the lacrosse team at school and then my friends said, ‘no tryout for rugby, you can go on one of the Europe tours and you travel around Wales or Ireland and Scotland,” Gibson said. 

“So, I tried out for rugby and immediately fell in love with the sport.” 

Much to the surprise of her mother, Mandy Gibson, Lizzie stopped playing hockey in grade nine and finished her soccer career in grade 10. She qualified for the u17 Canadian National team for soccer, however, she was not permitted to travel with the team because she didn't have a parent club. That didn't matter. Rugby was her new found love. It was the first full contact sport she has ever been a part of. 

“When I first got hit and it actually hurt, I was like holy crap this is the sport, that I am now putting all my marbles in one basket here. But I love it. I like this sport. And when I first hit someone and sent them backwards, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” 

Her short rugby career is filled with numerous accolades since the day she stepped out on to the pitch. 

In grade 10, Gibson made Team Ontario's u16 and u18 sides. She travelled with the u18 team to Ohio and was scouted by Team Canada with the u16 team in Calgary. At this point in time, Queen's University were beginning to speak with her, however, talks were subtle. 

The next year, in grade 11, in February 2018, tryouts were held for Team Canada. Qualifying for the Youth Olympics was held in Las Vegas. She left qualifying with the sweetest feeling of them all - defeating the United States in the final and bringing home the gold. 

In October of 2018, Gibson travelled to Argentina to compete in the Youth Olympics and came home with a bronze medal. 

Queen's University amped up the talks to convince Lizzie to commit on a full scholarship. She knew wanted to go to Queen's and improved her marks. 

So, you might think that when someone wants to improve their marks, you dedicate more time to your academics right? In this case, that couldn't be more wrong. 

In her graduating year, she was invited to a Next Gen Tournament in May, won OFSAA with Mayfield Secondary School, made Team Canada's u18 and u20 roster, which resulted in a trip to San Diego for the u18 side, and travelled to the Paris World Games with Niagara Rugby Union last July. 

If you're baffled at this resume it's completely understandable. 

Now, finishing her first year at Queen's University for Arts and Science, Gibson walks away from her first season in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) with an OUA championship, OUA all-star, OUA rookie of the year and USports rookie of the year. 

She says she is seeking a major in Sociology, and might want to pursue the criminal end of the spectrum, potentially committing to law school or becoming a police officer in the near future. 

Amidst her exceptional experience away from home, she has the team to thank for all their help through her period of balancing academics and rugby. 

“I love living here and I have the best support system here. If you ever need anything, our coaches are here for you. Our team is so closely knit that anyone on the team would be happy to help you with anything.” 

She also has learned a new position. She currently plays open-side flanker; the number seven role, and has seemingly fell in love with this position as well, despite her inexperience in the role. 

In her residence room, Lizzie has pinned to the wall, the Olympic rings and the year 2024. That is her goal and something her mother is extremely proud of. 

“But to have the goal on her wall, to wake up every day, to represent her country one day and to keep her marks up and the scholarship, I couldn't be prouder,” Mandy said. 

As it might be hard to fathom, the journey is still young. There is a long road ahead for Lizzie. Needless to say, her resume suggests it is bright. You just might see Lizzie one day on your television set wearing the Canadian national team uniform.