She instantly fell in love with the game and enjoyed the results that much more.
Paityn Bourgouin started her high school studies in grade nine at the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS) and as she did, the Dauphinite joined the school's rugby team. Now anyone paying attention to how rugby has been going in the Parkland in recent years will know that things are trending in a great direction.
The boys' team just came off a league title and finished second at the provincial championships. On the girls' side meanwhile, not many opponents have been able to handle the powerhouse club from Dauphin. This past year, they did not allow a point and paired a league title with a provincial title. It was the team's second provincial title in as many years after they won the provincials last season as well.
Bourgouin became an integral piece of the team and enjoyed every second.
"It was great, it started quite well for my first two years of high school," offered Bourgouin. "I'm so glad that I joined the team, I have had incredible teammates and coaches."
Bourgouin and her teammates will now look to dominate at the Manitoba Summer Games as Paityn will play in the women's 7s event.
"I'm very excited, I truly believe the Summer Games will be the highlight of my summer," said Bourgouin. "I'm playing the sport I love with a bunch of my friends, you can't beat that."
Paityn, who has been practicing with the team throughout the summer in preparation, is looking forward to bonding with her teammates inside the athlete's village and making new friends on other teams. Come gametime; however, it's all business for Bourgouin and the rest of the team.
"I would say we're a pretty strong team, everyone works together well," said Bourgouin. "Everyone is comfortable in different positions as well, things are going pretty well."
As is the case for the more than 65 athletes from Dauphin and the area that will compete in the Games, they will get the chance to do so in front of family and friends. That's something that Paityn is holding near and dear to her heart.
"I'm looking forward to that, they usually have to travel because we play a lot of road games," ended Bourgouin. 'I'm happy that they won't have to travel and they'll still get to cheer us on every step of the way."
The Manitoba Summer Games Powered by Manitoba Hydro are from August 11-17. Stay tuned as we'll continue to highlight local athletes who will shine on the provincial stage.
