Earlier this week, the WolfPack announced that fourth-year defender Raiya Rumo (RR) had been selected to join the Canada West first-team All-Star lineup for the second year in a row. Following the announcement, the Omega got to chat with her about her four years in Kamloops and how they went.
Omega: Could you reflect on your last season with TRU? How did it go for you?
RR: I think the season went really good as a building perspective. We’re starting to make a foundation with this program, and we’re just doing better every year. Emotionally, it was quite a surreal feeling when that last whistle blew on the UVIC field as it was coming to an end, and time flew by. I’m so proud of the girls and how we did this year. We really had a lot of determination and grit. I think that was the most important.
Omega: What do you think was the most memorable moment from your journey with the ‘Pack?
RR: The ability to connect and lead the girls puts a mark on me every single year and grows me into a better person. The best moment, I would say, was when we beat Trinity Western a couple of weeks ago. That took a lot of hard work from every single player on the field that night, and we really came together and worked super hard to get the job done, and we did, and we made history that night. So I was proud of us.
Omega: How do you think you grew as a player in the last four years?
RR: I think I’ve grown a lot as a soccer player. I mean, getting an All-Rookie Canada West team and then two All-Star teams is a pretty good pat on the back for me. I’m proud of the player I’ve become. Leadership-wise, I’m also really proud of myself. I have connected with a lot of the girls no matter what year they’ve come in: rookie year, second year, third year. I think I’ve had a very positive effect on all the girls on my team, and I’m really happy leading the way I am.
Omega: What do you think makes the WolfPack a unique team?
RR: I think…the heart that we have, no matter if we lose, tie or just don’t get the result that we wanted. At the end of the day, we’re still a super strong group of girls and facing challenges together. We’ve been able to overcome it with the group. Everyone is super hard-working and super respectful. I couldn’t ask for better teammates.
Omega: What were the major challenges of balancing school and soccer?
RR: I would definitely say it’s very difficult, not only balancing school but also work as well. Working two jobs is difficult with soccer and school. Having to be on the road almost every other weekend or missing multiple classes on travelling days can be quite detrimental to the grades. It definitely means you have to put in more work to catch up, but at the end of the day, it’s completely worth it being a part of an athletic team.
Omega: As you are preparing to graduate, what are your plans towards the future?
RR: I’ll definitely stay in Kamloops this summer and join the Rivers FC program again. I’ve had a great experience with them, but I’m also talking to some scouts and hopefully being able to play in a higher league, either pro in Canada or overseas in Europe. I’ve been looking at it’s been a main goal of mine for a couple of years now, and I think it’s in the vision for me. So that’s what I’ve been working towards.
Omega: What advice would you give to the young athletes who are starting their journey here at TRU or are planning to do so?
RR: I would say to not give up and don’t dwell on the hard moments. There are going to be a lot of difficulties to overcome being on the team, whether that’s physical or mental. As long as you keep going and lean on the support of your peers and your older athletes on the team. I think you’ll be able to get through just fine. You just have to have the confidence to keep going and know that the next day can be better, or even if the next day is worse, it only means you’re building up to something greater in the end.
Omega: What will you miss the most about Kamloops and TRU?
RR: I would say the fans. I have had incredible support here, especially being far away from home and my family. I have built a great foundation with a lot of the fans and even moms of other players on my team. It’s really helped me become a better person, and it’s helped me continue to keep going as well. I mean, it is a struggle being away so far, but having this group of girls and the fans come out and support us almost every single night has been such a special feeling.