Georgian College’s women’s rugby sevens team is preparing to make history this weekend.
It’s their first-ever home opener as the Grizzlies begin their inaugural Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) season.
The team will play three games during a day-long tournament on Saturday, October 17th, at J.C. Massie Field at Georgian’s Barrie Campus. They will face Conestoga at 11:00 a.m., Seneca at 1:45 p.m. and Humber at 4:00 p.m.
As Georgian’s inaugural varsity roster, the players are helping establish a new tradition for the college while preparing to compete in front of friends, family and the local community.
“Being part of Georgian’s first women’s rugby sevens team is something we’ll always share,” says co-captain Lily Shaver. “We’ve been building this together, and now we get to play in front of our friends, families and the Georgian community.”
Fellow co-captain Marlee Smith shares the excitement.
“It’s pretty special knowing we’ll be the first team to have this moment,” says Smith. “We can’t wait to take the field for our first home opener.”
The team is led by head coach Donovan Jacko, a former Grizzlies men’s rugby player who spent five years with the program, served as captain and finished his collegiate playing career with a gold medal in 2023. A four-time league all-star, Jacko also received Georgian’s Howard/Belcourt Award for outstanding sportsmanship, dedication, attitude and leadership.
“As a former Grizzly, I know how special it is to play in front of a home crowd,” says Jacko. “These players are building something new for Georgian, and this first home opener is a moment they’ll always be part of. We’re excited to welcome people to the field and show them what women’s rugby sevens is all about.”
Jacko was appointed head coach in August 2025, bringing nearly two decades of rugby experience, including coaching girls’ varsity and boys’ junior rugby at Barrie North Collegiate Institute. His background in the local game supports the program’s goal of creating opportunities for women to continue playing rugby at the college level.
The team’s debut follows Georgian’s announcement last year that it would add the fast-growing Olympic sport to its varsity offerings, along with a year of preparation for official OCAA competition.
Rugby sevens features seven players per side and two seven-minute halves, delivering a fast-paced game built around speed, teamwork and open-field skill. Canadian women have also achieved international success, winning bronze when the sport made its Olympic debut at Rio 2016 before earning silver at Paris 2024, Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in rugby.
Students, employees, alumni and community members are invited to attend the tournament at J.C. Massie Field and cheer on the Grizzlies as they begin a new chapter in Georgian athletics.
For the team’s schedule, click here.
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