One Last Run For Trainor

(FREDERICTON, NB) Kassie Trainor thought she’d missed her opportunity to join UNB’s women’s rugby team.

That thought had barely left her mind before she found herself running laps at UNB’s College Field, knee deep in the rigours of training camp.

“The night before training camp I was a bit nervous, thinking am I crazy for doing this,” said Trainor. “I worried I’d forget how to play, but the excitement outweighed the nerves.”

She was nervous, despite being one of the most experienced student-athletes in the REDS camp.

Trainor played three seasons of Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association rugby with the St. Thomas Tommies before stepping away from the game following the 2021-22 season.

A gap year, beginning life as an adult, and the process of preparing for, applying to, and starting law school became her priorities.

“For a while, it felt like having both the time and opportunity to play again was not going to overlap,” she said.

Then, a chance meeting with REDS’ head coach Bailey Andrews, who’d been Trainor’s teammate for two seasons with the Tommies.

“I sent her our training camp schedule in case she was interested in coming out,” said Andrews. “Coming back to any sport after four years off can be daunting, but such a physical sport like rugby would be scary. But Kassie took a look at her schedule and made things work to be able to come and play her last year of eligibility in the ACAA with us.”

Despite the demands of law school, rugby, and life in general, Trainor is excited to be playing again.

She said she’d been left with a feeling of leaving something unfinished and has been eager to seize the opportunity with the REDS.

“I played in three ACAA finals and walked away with zero banners,” recounts Trainor. “While I think we’re in a great place in pursuit of the banner currently, nothing is guaranteed so it is important to keep our focus and dedication over the remainder of the season.”

Now coaching Trainor, Andrews has played with and against her, so she sees the complete package that Trainor now brings to the REDS.

“The biggest thing Kassie brings could almost go unnoticed,” said Andrews. “She’s humble and doesn’t think she’s above our rules or getting corrections from teammates. Regardless of her age or experience, Kassie has been a committed member of this team. That’s one of her super-powers, she is leading by example, she’s able to take feedback from anyone, she’s encouraging teammates and cheers for their successes as if they were her own. She’s mastered the balance of taking things seriously and being able to joke around at the right moments. Kassie is a great role model for all her teammates.”

Time away from the game not only spurred Trainor to embrace the opportunity given to her by the REDS, it has also given her some perspective.

“In some respects, as a player, my peak was at STU, yet in others, they have only developed since I’ve been playing at UNB. The practices here are skills-based with evident connections between the drills and game scenarios. I think it speaks to the coaching when you can still learn something new or find something to improve on, despite how long you’ve been playing or what levels you’ve played at.” 

After walking away from the game, Trainor wasn’t sure she’d get another chance to play at this level. Thankful to be back, she’s ready to do whatever she needs to to help the REDS succeed.

“I have always tried to make time to pursue every opportunity that I am given and while sometimes it can feel like a lot in the moment, I always end up looking back and am glad that I did.”

The REDS are glad she did too.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO BY: James West/for UNB REDS