James Lick's Monument

Helen Wright was the founder and the first head coach of the University of Alberta's Pandas rugby team. She was a pioneer in establishing women's rugby as a provincial, national, and international sport - defying stereotypes at a time when the sport was dominated by men - primarily through leading by example as a player, coach, and administrator. Rugby's inclusiveness, related to both ability levels and physical diversity of players, was the key factor in Wright's commitment and advocacy for the sport.

Raised in Williams Lake, B.C., Wright came to Edmonton to study psychology at the University of Alberta. She was introduced to rugby as a spectator in 1977 and started playing in the position of "hooker". Wright represented Alberta from 1986-1988, and she participated in the first Rugby Canada women's national team game against the USA in Victoria in November 1987.

Wright served as managing director of the Alberta Rugby Union from 1987-2001, exerting significant influence over the continuing development of youth and women's rugby in the province.

Wright led the Pandas for five seasons - 1999 to 2003 - and secured five successive national championships. She coached the Rugby Canada U23 Women in 2005 when they defeated the USA in two test matches.

Her formal coaching qualifications included Level 1 and 2 International Rugby Board Coach Trainer, Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the National Coaching Certification Program. Wright became the CIS Coaches Association President (Rugby) and oversaw the preparation of the documentation to keep women's rugby and include men's rugby in the CIS (Canadian Intervarsity Sport).

Helen Wright's involvement with rugby extended far and wide, including be