Born for this: UPEI Women's Rugby secures commitment from budding star Jorja Cook

By Thomas Becker

For 17-year-old Jorja Cook, rugby is more than just a game. It's a lifestyle. Some of her first memories are centred around the sport, and in many ways shaped who she is.

 

Cook's parents, Aaron and Kerri, are heavily involved in the rugby community and have volunteered countless hours coaching and managing club and provincial teams. Her mother has served on several rugby association boards and is a liaison officer with Rugby Canada for the New Zealand Black Ferns Sevens. Cook's older sister, Renée, who also plays rugby, attended the under-18 Canada West camp, and now coaches under-14 girls.

 

"Since my dad is from New Zealand, we were basically born to play rugby and have always loved it," said Cook, a native of Victoria, BC. "My parents taught us the importance of culture and community in rugby, and I hold that very close to my heart."

 

Cook describes the rugby culture as being very inviting and inclusive, and she believes it's important to give back to the programs that have offered them so much.

 

"With the amount of time we Cooks are at the field, we have become close to people in the greater rugby community. We now have 'family' dinners once a month—that family being our rugby family."

 

The constant exposure to the game has made her a pretty good player.

 

As a member of the Castaway Wanderers junior under-19 team, Cook was part of the leadership group that guided the team to a BC Rugby Union–Island Age-Grade Finals championship.

 

Her knowledge of the game and her vision of the field are attributes that drew Panthers head coach James Voye to approach her about playing for the UPEI squad.

 

"Jorja has an incredibly high rugby IQ, and strong fundamentals, and she can utilize possession to build pressure and score," Voye said. "She is exactly the type of high-performance student-athlete I'm looking to add to the roster, and I'm thrilled she has committed to UPEI."

 

It also doesn't hurt that she plays one of rugby's most important and demanding roles—the fly half position.

 

"I noticed immediately that Jorja can help our team as a fly half with her ability to attack the opposition through, around, and over the defence," Voye said. "She can pass at varying lengths off both hands, communicate on the pitch, and kick to open space behind the defence to gain territory."

 

At such a young age, Cook already brings so much experience to a team on the rise, but more than that, her maturity and insight may be her biggest asset.

 

"I have always been a team player, using my strengths to help others meet their goals on the pitch. We all have our strengths, but to truly succeed you have to work as a team."

 

It's easy to see the star potential in Cook, and like any star, she wants to win at the highest level.

 

"At this point, I'm hoping to come in as a rookie and make an impact, and hopefully one day I can take UPEI to nationals."