Samson’s story inspires young rugby player

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The game of rugby can be a daunting sport at the best of times, but coming back from numerous knee surgeries is quite the feat for any player to overcome.
For National Senior Women’s team player Maria Samson, it was an emotional ride, but perseverance and support is what got her to where she is in her in career presently.
Samson came and spoke to the Strathmore and Smith Falls rugby players about how setbacks in one’s career can be overcome and to never give up.
“In terms of inspiration, rugby is an all incumbent sport, they’re the ones in the room that are giving it a try. One of the things is to keep playing with that positive attitude because you never know what will happen,” said Samson. “My story is pretty unique in terms of where I came from and how I got there, but it was constant to keep trying and playing rugby because I love rugby.”
The 2014 World Cup silver medalist’s main message to the girls was to always listen to your coaches, as each of them will have a different message that can be invaluable to a player.
“You’re going to have five different coaches tell you five different things and they’re going to be completely opposite, but you got to give each one a try. I think with rugby, growing up, not everyone’s on the same page and that’s all across the world,” said Samson.
She thought the exchange was of huge benefit to the two schools.
“I think it’s absolutely huge, from a personal level, being able to go across the country during my engineering co-ops,” said Samson. “Playing in different cities, you have these friends all over Canada and that’s what I think they’re starting to do.”
Despite all the emotions Samson has experienced, she will always cherish the World Cup experience.
“It was unreal, it brings back so many memories and it’s so emotional and just the journey to get there,” said Samson. “The proudest … moment is being able to share it with the teammates that I had there and playing in front of 20,000 people with 25 other girls that worked so hard to get there.”
She had determined that the day-by-day approach was the best way to overcome her injuries, and also to listen to her body language.
“I think it’s not looking too far into the future and just literally taking it one day at a time. Today is going to be better than the last day and obviously there’s a goal in mind,” said Samson. “I think if you look too far ahead, you get disappointed with how you’re progress is going. For me it’s keeping your head down and rehabbing and once you get to the point of starting to do stuff you take advantage of it.”