There’s been much joy this September watching recent high school grads not only transition to the college game, but excel there. Canterbury’s Player of the Week Sui A’au, a freshman at Central Washington University, is a new weapon for the Wildcats, and she demonstrated her impact during Saturday’s win over Army.
“Sui demonstrates humility and hard work on and off the field,” Central Washington coach Mel Denham praised. “She is a team-first athlete who is respectful of all, and driven to succeed in everything she does. Given these traits, she is a quick learner and has transitioned well to the college game.”
A’au picked up the game with the Grant Generals in Oregon, and it wasn’t long before the power-runner started featuring on the state all-star team, the Red Hawks, and garnering national attention. She debuted with the Girls High School All-Americans (GHSAAs), powered by Atavus, in August 2015 and returned (with her younger twin sisters) last month for the repeat Can-Am series. In early September, the GHSAAs 7s went on their first international tour to the European U18 7s Championship (photo), where the team played true national teams and finished second to host France.
Suffice to say, A’au was a highly sought-after prospect and she aligned with a DI varsity program entering its first official season in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA). Central Washington is the only NIRA member west of Ohio, and anticipation built as the Wildcats prepared for the league-opener against visiting Army. It was also a big day for A’au starting in her first varsity match.
The Wildcats rushed out to a lead against Army, as fellow freshman Michel Navarro returned the kickoff for a try from wing. A’au then joined the box score minutes later and helped propel a fast offense and pressure defense.
“On Saturday against Army, Sui scored an impressive six tries,” the coach reported on the 63-17 victory. “Being surrounded by other great rugby athletes, her natural talents are highlighted and her game is coming alive. Rugby is a team sport where combinations and chemistry are a factor, and Sui is a team-first player. She embraces and enjoys being part of a whole, and is constantly learning from everyone around her.”
CANTERBURY PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Every week, The Rugby Breakdown will highlight a club, college or high school player who put in a standout performance during the week. At the end of the month, readers will vote on the profiled players to name a Player of the Month, and Canterbury North America will send the award recipient a prize. In December, a Player of the Fall will also be voted upon and honored.
Previous Honorees:
September 4: Dartmouth’s Becca Jane Rosko
September 12: Girls High School All American Julia Riekena
September 19: UMBC’s Tahlia Tavai
PlayeroftheWeek #SuiAau