UPEI Women’s Rugby secures commitment from Adrianna Platis for 2024 season

By Thomas Becker

In Atlantic University Sport (AUS) rugby circles, Adrianna Platis was a name floating among scouts and coaches for years.

Her talent on the field is undeniable, and the coveted prospect had the potential to become a game-changer for any team lucky enough to secure her commitment. 

After careful deliberation, Platis ultimately chose the UPEI Panthers as her next team. 

"As I went through the recruiting process, everything always came back to UPEI. Coach Voye played a big part in my decision to attend UPEI," Platis said. "I see what he's done with the program over the years, and it shows that he's a top-level coach." 

What made UPEI stand out from the rest was their recent success, including their first-ever AUS championship in 2022, the opportunity to play on the national stage, and the team's family-like camaraderie. 

"I saw how tight knit this group was, and I wanted to be a part of that," Platis said. "I see the talent this team has, and I believe we're going to continue to be contenders for the next number of years, and I'm very excited to be a small part of that."

Platis is expected to come in and replace all-star Tessa Hood—who completed her collegiate career—at the hooker position after making waves in New Brunswick. The 17-year-old from Shediac Cape recently served as an assistant captain for Moncton High School and was a member of the New Brunswick Spruce under-19 team that captured a silver medal at the Atlantic Rugby Championships this past summer. Looking ahead to her role with the Panthers, Platis could be the first key piece in transforming the team's front row, a unit that has been dominant for years but is set to undergo significant changes in the next year or two.

"The acquisition of Adrianna was an important one for the future of the team and the front row, as she will arrive at training camp with an opportunity to start at the hooker position as a rookie," said Panthers head coach James Voye. "Adrianna has an impressive work ethic. She is a student-athlete with a high-performance attitude who understands that doing the extras will help the team achieve their goals."

Platis isn't just any player; she's a versatile and physical force on the field with the strength to hold her own in scrums and rucks. But what truly sets her apart is her exceptional speed and agility for a player in the front row. 

"Adrianna is an exceptional defender and will make an impact right away," Voye said. "She's also an evasive ball carrier who knows how to use her footwork, strength, speed and aggression to create gaps and make good decisions." 

As the team's newest addition, Platis says she's ready to embrace the challenges ahead and help build on the Panthers' bright future.