BURLINGTON, Ont. - In just her second season with the Golden Hawks, back three Abby Byers has been named a 2024 OUA women's rugby second-team all-star. 

The arts major from Woolwich, Ont. was among 29 student-athletes from the conference named to the first or second-team on Tuesday.

Having suffered a tough knee injury early in the 2023 campaign, Byers' hard work in the off-season paid off as she started all six of her team's games in 2024, impressing the program's new head coach Eric Ciezar. 

"Her tenacity and drive earned her a starting spot at fullback for our squad," Ciezar said of the Waterloo County Rugby Club graduate. "She scored two great tries against both York and McMaster and made many try-saving tackles all season long with her excellent tracking skills."

"Abby is very deserving of this great accomplishment."

For the complete list of OUA women's rugby all-stars and major award winners, visit oua.ca