In Their Own Words: A Black Female in a Predominantly White Sport

Sandra Kenne, First Year, McMaster Marauders Women's Rugby

Ever since I was little, I’ve always had a passion for sports. From playing basketball, to track & field, to soccer, I finally found myself playing rugby; the sport I fell in love with.

Over the past five years, I have grown as an individual and an athlete, but have had to develop thick skin in this sport. It is clear that rugby is not a very diverse sport, as I was always a minority on every team I played for. Although I can’t imagine myself playing anything else, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized the prejudice that came with me playing this sport.

“With all this force and aggression you have, you should consider playing rugby.” That sentence has remained with me all these years because it was those exact words that led me to playing. As a 13-year-old, I took it as a compliment; that I had potential for this sport. So I pursued it.

But over the years, I discovered the ignorance behind those words and realized how much it had affected me. There has always been this stereotype that black women are always so ‘angry’. I won’t deny that I hate losing and can sometimes let my emotions get the best of me on the field, but it happens to everyone.

“I allowed myself to fall into the stereotype and I had to change that.”

As I continued to play, I noticed that statement being used against me a lot to justify my actions, which led me to believe for a long time that maybe I was in the wrong. I allowed myself to fall into the stereotype and I had to change that.

I may not be able to change the diversity in rugby, but as a black female, I do hold the power to change this stereotype. That is exactly what I set out to do. Not only was I determined to change how others viewed me on the field, but also off of it. Whether it came to my education or anything else I did, I was not going to let anyone pass judgment on my abilities because of my skin colour, but prove them wrong. This change in my mindset is what truly caused me to fall in love with rugby. It didn’t bother me being the only black person playing as long as I received the same respect my teammates were given and was able to speak my mind when I faced with ignorance.

“I was not going to let anyone pass judgment on my abilities because of my skin colour.”

I am so thankful for what the world of rugby has been able to offer me over the years. It has taught me a lot about discipline, time management, and ultimately myself. Being a student-athlete requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Moreover, as a black female student-athlete, it is important to me to prove to those that have their doubts that I can do it.

Over the years, I was able to meet others I can relate to, make friends, and continue playing the sport I love. I don’t doubt that the stereotype will remain, but all I can do is not let it affect me in the hope that others too come can learn from me. Receiving an education and being able to play rugby is all I wanted for in university and getting a chance to do so has been extremely rewarding.