Jessica Frenette, Saint Mary's University

Women’s Rugby

Since her arrival on the Saint Mary's campus, Jessica Frenette has proven to be a leader on and off the rugby pitch. Volunteer work and community service are common things in Jessica's life.

The first year Masters of Arts (Criminology) student is a teaching assistant as well as a volunteer on the Board of Directors at the SMU Women's Centre, which offers a safe space for those who seek information about sexual health, sexual assault, or violence against women. She is also a volunteer for Pathways to Education, an organization that provides mentoring and tutoring to at-risk youth.

This past spring, she spent four months volunteering in a rural Nicaragua community.

Working both at the school and in the community, she was responsible for providing English classes to students and community members who wished to participate. Acting as a teaching assistant to the local teacher, she helped by explaining exercises, correcting homework, answering questions, keeping students on task, and monitoring student progress.

In addition, Jessica led after-school activities such as sports, music (she donated her own guitar to the community, with some guitar lessons), and craft clubs.

In her spare time, Frenette also spent some time helping set up a community gardening initiative and taught children how to help preserve the environment. This was her second humanitarian trip to Nicaragua. Her first took place in 2005.

The 24-year-old from Centreville, N.B., is a 2009 Dean's List graduate of Mount Allison University with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. She is the former captain of the Mounties rugby squad, who went undefeated in the 2008 ACAA rugby season. That same year, Frenette garnered her third ACAA all-star award and was named ACAA player of the year.

In addition to playing at Saint Mary’s this season, she also plays for the New Brunswick senior women's team and is a long-time member of the 2011 New Brunswick champion, Moncton Black Tide RFC.

Jessica was invited to go on a rugby tour with the UNB women's rugby team to the UK for two weeks where she played teams from both Wales and England, and participated in clinics with top coaches from Wales.

"Jessica is a very well-rounded student-athlete and we are pleased to have her here at Saint Mary's," says Saint Mary's Director of Athletics Steve Sarty. "Her ability to balance her academic and playing schedule while devoting so much time to her community is both impressive and an inspiration to her teammates."

Her proven leadership ability has been an asset to a young Saint Mary's rugby team.

Thanks to her work ethic and positive influence, the team has gained a true role model.