P.E.I.’s Emily Keen joins select group of UPEI women’s rugby alumni

Emily Keen is now part of a special group of UPEI women’s rugby alumni.

Keen, from Marshfield, P.E.I., was recognized as one of the program’s greats for her contributions over a four-year playing career during a ceremony before the Panthers’ final regular-season game against the Acadia Axewomen at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place) on the university’s campus in Charlottetown on Oct. 9.

“It’s wild to think they believe I’m one of the greats,” Keen told The Guardian in an interview before the ceremony. “You look at the names up there, and it’s hard to believe they think I’m one of them. There are amazing women on that list, so I’m in great company.”

Keen’s banner hangs alongside the press box with other Panthers who have been honoured in recent years.

“That’s not really what I looked for when I was on the team,” said Keen about the recognition. “I just wanted to be out there with my team and have fun with them and make them proud in whatever way they needed me to. I’m very grateful.”

Keen, a dairy farmer, played with the Panthers from 2013 to 2016. During this time, Keen, who played the scrum half position, served as a team captain and earned two AUS all-star awards.

Keen recalled the Panthers roster featured 13 rookies in her first season.

“That’s half the whole roster,” added Keen. “It was a young group the first couple of years, so it took us a couple of years to get our feet under us.”

A Facebook post by UPEI athletics and recreation described Keen as a player who combined exceptional skills and a fierce competitive spirit. Keen’s leadership and ability to inspire her teammates were also praised.

“(There are) so many memories,” said Keen in reflecting on playing for the Panthers. “Honestly, (it’s) the friendships – girls that I still see now that we all would have played together back then.”

Keen said the Panthers’ situation was a little different when she played compared to today.

“St. F.X. was the No. 1 team in the country, so our scores didn’t look as good as these girls,” said Keen. “But we found ways to enjoy ourselves and fought for things that maybe weren’t as big for these guys now but were important for us back then.”

To illustrate the growth of the UPEI women’s rugby program, the Panthers recently posted a 39-22 home-field victory over St. F.X.

“I am so proud of where these girls have brought this (UPEI) program,” said Keen. “Beating X a couple weeks ago for them was a big deal, but for all the alumni in the crowd, it was what we dreamt of when we played.

“That was not a possibility for us at that time, so we’re so proud of what they’re doing and what they’ve been able to do with this program. All of the alumni are so happy for it.”

The Panthers, who lost the regular-season finale to Acadia 29-17 to finish with a 3-3 (won-lost) record, travel to Antigonish, N.S., to face the St. Francis Xavier X-Women (4-2) in a semifinal game on Oct. 14.

The winner of that game will visit Wolfville, N.S., to play first-place Acadia (5-1) in the conference championship game on Oct. 21.

Watching AUS games today, there are two areas that stand out for Keen, compared to her playing days.

“I think the speed of which it’s played now is different, absolutely,” said Keen. “I think the passing game is way better than it was back then.

“Everybody on the team is making passes not all of us could make back then. I think, certainly, the skill is at a different level, but the tenacity that some of those girls played with – the grit – it’s just a different level in different ways, but it doesn’t take away from anything any of those past teams did.”

A graduate and product of the Charlottetown Rural High School rugby program, the opportunity to play at the university level at home meant the world to Keen.

“Especially having former coaches that had played before me and trying to make them proud and playing positions that my mentors had played,” said Keen. “I wanted to do them proud, as well and to play with girls that I was really proud to be on the field with.”

Keen said leadership was one thing she took pride in contributing to the program.

“I was quiet and I didn’t say too much, but maybe I led by example on the field,” said Keen. “I tried to keep my composure where I could encourage the girls as much as I could.

“I tried to keep it positive and light and I hope that helped them in some way.”

Keen still plays and played club rugby with the Charlottetown Rugby Football Club this past summer.

“I am probably reaching the end of my playing career here, eventually,” said Keen with a smile.

Although it’s been 10 years since Keen wore the Panthers’ green and white colours, she continues to follow the team’s progress.

“I try to make sure I’m here (for home games) and follow the scores on the away games,” said Keen. “I know a few girls through provincial and through club rugby, but I’m getting to a point now where I don’t know many, but I’m still proud of all of them.”

Jason Simmonds is a sports reporter at The Guardian in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached at jsimmonds@postmedia.com and followed on X @JpsportsJason.