Top Left legacy continues with new locker room opening

Alexis MacDonald '99 – MC, StFX Advancement, & X-Women Rugby Campaign Cabinet: 

"You can feel the passion in this room! This is what this X-Women Rugby campaign has been about – passion and people. This fundraising campaign – a first for any women's sport at StFX – was born out of a passion for women's rugby and a desire to seek equity in women's athletic funding. A former player from '84 remembers talking about the "women's rugby movement" in hushed tones, like it was a dangerous concept. Women playing a full-contact sport like rugby was considered radical. Fast forward to 1998 – only 14 years later – when X-Women Rugby became a varsity-level sport. Today, the team claims 22 Maritime Championships and six national titles."

Maureen O'Brien '91 – X-Women Rugby Campaign Cabinet: 

"The catalyst for me to get involved in the Cabinet was the 2019 national championships, which were held in Ottawa where I now reside. During one of the matches, on a cold November day, the gals on the sideline were wearing warming capes. When they turned around, on the back of the capes it said, "StFX Football'. And I thought: "Why was our national championship team STILL having to wear borrowed gear?!" I was introduced to Alexis that same weekend and I had to get involved. As a female-led committee, we wanted our fundraising campaign to be different – to represent our ideals and that of the rugby team - diversity and inclusiveness. It is also about equity. Everywhere, women's sports are chronically underfunded. It came down to 'if WE don't do this, then who? If we don't do this NOW, then when?'"

Eryn Hessian '00, '03 – X-Women Rugby Campaign Cabinet: 

"StFX doesn't leave you, even after you leave it. It is what brought us together, and it is what brought us back. We feel a sense of responsibility to ensure the future of a team, sport and community that we love. We joke about borrowed jerseys – but everyone who has ever pulled on a jersey can remember those first few seconds when you did. Instantly you can feel the confidence and the courage of everyone who has worn one before you. From the first StFX athlete to wear his jersey in 1901, to the young athlete who will wear hers for the first time today, there is a reason why they put that X over your heart. And the "Top Left" battle cry was born.  

Leo MacPherson '89, StFX Director of Athletics & Recreation: 

"What a remarkable celebration for X-Women Rugby. There is a lot of contagious Xaverian spirit in this room. I am massive fan of rugby culture. The X-Women Rugby team really knows that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. It is THE ultimate team sport."   

Dr. Andy Hakin, StFX President & Vice Chancellor: 

"I'm delighted to share that the original fundraising goal of $350,000 – a nod to 35 years of women's rugby – has been surpassed! They have raised $390,000. Amazing! And now, it's my honour to officially open the X-Women Locker Room. This is more than a space in which athletes prepare for games; it is the heart of the team, a space for connection, friendship, joy and even sometimes small disappointments. Ultimately, it is a space in which women belong."

Annie McMullon, Co-Captain, X-Women Rugby Team: 

"When we first heard that the locker room was going to be named 'Top Left', a lot us players actually got emotional, as it is a very core mindset for our team. This takes it one step further. Every night before a game, we have a team dinner. Last night, we heard from many of the rookies who said the team is already a family for them. We were happy to hear that and we also appreciate hearing all the old stories. We hope to carry your legacy forward. We feel your support and can hear you cheering for us from a far!" 

Mike Cavanagh, Head Coach, X-Women Rugby Team: 

"I am so appreciative of the donors and the Cabinet. I think the most amazing thing that this campaign did was bring together the club players and the varsity players. They were like the cousins we had never met. You knew they were family, but you just hadn't heard their stories yet. Now we know each others' stories. We appreciate so much what the club members did."