A Caymanian girl is set to compete in an U23 American rugby tournament.
Schmarrah McCarthy will play for the Women’s U23 Midwest all-star team this month. The team will compete in the Women’s U23 All-Star Championship being held in Blaine, Minnesota. It is expected to be held at the National Sports Centre.
Schmarrah, daughter of George and Alliyah McCarthy of George Town, remarked on her selection to the team as a very proud moment.
‘It is always a great honor and privilege to be selected to play elite level rugby. While I am a talented player, my being selected is testament to the abilities of the coaches I have had the privilege of playing under.’
The Midwest team will be competing against U23 women’s teams from other regions of the US. A knock-out format will be used for the tournament.
The squad is comprised of the very best players in that region of the US. Players are selected on an invitation basis.
Schmarrah is expected to start games at flanker. Flankers are usually at the far end of the second row of a scrum. According to Schmarrah, she feels playing that position best uses her skills and talent.
‘While I am fast enough to play in the back line, my power and size could better be utilized in the midfield.
‘Moreover in the US there are a plethora of talented back line players and a deficit of flankers and 8 men. Hence, I am more than happy to fill the role that is most helpful to my team.’
The Midwest team is a favourite to win the tournament. It has won the tournament six times in the last seven years. According to Schmarrah, anything less than the title will be a failure.
‘The Midwest has a really talented player pool to choose from and a lot of national team players have come through the program. All in all I would be truly disappointed if we did not come back with the title.’
According to Schmarrah, there were psychological hurdles she had to overcome in making the team.
‘More than anything, however, I have learned you have to be easy to coach and open to criticism.
‘I think that it is very easy, when you are from a relatively small country, to lose sight of the larger perspective. I think that when you have the resources afforded to you, as so many Caymanians do, you have to take that and then set goals to move onto the world stage to challenge yourself and subsequently the country.’
Schmarrah took time to discuss some of her plans for the future.
‘Once I return to the island, I plan to be actively involved with female rugby and its development.
‘I want to play in the Rugby world cup and become a licensed referee.’
Schmarrah says that her achievement will set a positive example for local rugby players.
‘I feel that it can only enhance Cayman rugby. Anything that I learn I will be more then happy to pass on. Anyone can catch and throw a ball, but when you are a knowledgeable about the game you have the ability to become a great player.’
Schmarrah went on to say that she hopes other Caymanians can see what she has done as an example that anyone can be someone in their chosen field.
‘My parents have constantly told me that anything worth having is worth working for.
‘I feel that if you are passionate about something you will not let anything stand in your way; even if you are the only person who believes in your ability.’
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