OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham Lords women's rugby program earn the commitment of another homegrown athlete, making Leah Martin officially a Lord.

The Whitby native joins a team with a strong championship pedigree and a culture built on hard work.

A product of Henry Street High School, Martin will arrive on campus this fall with a competitive edge and a versatile skill set that has already earned her recognition at multiple levels.

With experience in both 7s and 15s, Martin is expected to bring physicality and energy to the Durham lineup. "Don't wish for it, work for it," she said, a mindset that aligns perfectly with what the Lords expect from their athletes.

Rugby wasn't Martin's first sport, but it quickly became one of her biggest passions.

Growing up, she played competitive hockey from the age of six, a background that helped shape her athleticism and competitive drive.

When she picked up rugby at Henry Street, she found a game that matched her intensity.

She played both 7s and 15s for all four years of high school, helping lead her team to three Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletics (LOSSA) championships.

Her impact didn't go unnoticed as she was named Rugby MVP in Grade 11 and earned Henry Street's Women's Athlete of the Year honours in both Grade 10 and 11.

This summer, she's continuing to develop her game with the Oshawa Vikings, gaining valuable experience before making her collegiate debut.

"Leah is the type of athlete who competes hard and wants to keep getting better every day," said Head Coach Chris McKee. "She's already built a strong foundation through high school and club rugby, and we think her mindset and versatility are going to fit really well with what we're building here. We're excited to have another local athlete join the program."

One of Martin's favourite rugby memories came at the Tropical 7s tournament in Florida, where she and her teammates tested themselves against top competition from around the world.

The experience reinforced her love for the sport and her desire to keep raising her level.

For Martin, the choice to become a Lord was about more than just rugby. She was drawn to Durham's Police Foundations program, which has a strong reputation for preparing graduates for careers in law enforcement. The opportunity to combine academics and athletics made Durham the right fit.

"I made the decision to go to DC because I know they have a really good Police Foundations program with a high rate of successful job opportunities afterwards," she said. "Also, rugby played a key role in my decision. I wanted to play for a competitive team with great coaches that have won championships.

As she gets set to begin her collegiate career, Martin is focused on earning her place within a veteran group and contributing wherever she's needed.

Her goals are simple: work hard, compete every day, and help the Lords chase another title.

With a championship mindset and a commitment to both her studies and her sport, Martin is ready to make her mark in green and gold.

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