Close to six feet tall, the 17-year-old Niagara-on-the-Lake native said her height lends itself when it comes to the sport of rugby.

"It's a very aggressive sport," Hunter said while looking at a medal she won as part of Rugby Ontario's Under-17 junior women's team during a tournament in Ottawa Aug. 20. "You have to have speed and strength to play it. I do a lot of strength training and cardio work to prepare. It's hard work."

Participating in the under-17 category season this past summer, Hunter said it was nerve wracking to play in the final game a few weeks ago. But after the final goal and the medals were handed out, she said all the hard work had finally paid off, defeating the team from British Columbia 10-8.

"It's my first year playing in rugby," Hunter said. "Tryouts begin in January 2009. It's something I'd definitely do again."

While Hunter is known in the community for being a crafty figure skater as a member of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Skating Club, rugby is another sport that she has always loved ever since making the Holy Cross rugby team in Grade 10.

"I played well in high school and I was encouraged by everyone to try out for (Rugby Ontario's) Team Ontario," Hunter said. "I tried out for the team seven times and eventually made it for the Under-17 team."

Leading up to the season final in Ottawa was no easy feat, Hunter said.

During the summer, Hunter and about 30 other girls trained on Sundays while playing regular games against some of the province's best players.

Being on the field does teach one to think quickly Hunter said. Because things move so fast on the field every move has to be made within a split second she said.

"It can get vicious out there so you have to stay sharp," she said.

With the 2008 season wrapped up, Hunter said she's back to being an average high school student. But once the new year hits and tryouts begin, the game is on, she said.

"Bring it on," she said.