Duncan’s Bella Anderton-Teasedale has committed to the University of Victoria to continue her rugby career.
Anderton-Teasedale is set to graduate from Cowichan Secondary this spring after playing with the MacDowell Rugby Academy as well as with the Cowichan Rugby Club for the last couple of years.
“I am excited for the challenge of university rugby with the wonderful and welcoming team at UVic women’s program,” Anderton-Teasedale said recently. “As an Indigenous student UVic also best suits my schooling goals along with being close to my family and supports. I can‘t wait to start my university life in September.”
Most recently she competed with the BC Bears U18 girls team at the inaugural 2023 Global Youth Sevens Gold Coast tournament Dec. 9-10, 2023 at Bond University just outside of Brisbane. Prior to that she won gold with the U18 BC Bears at the Western Canadian Championships in Calgary this past summer.
A dual-sport athlete, Anderton-Teasedale has also played high level fastball with a Victoria-based team.
MacDowell Rugby Academy founder Robin MacDowell said he’s known Anderton-Teasedale since she was born, has witnessed her grow up, and has had the privilege of coaching both her and her twin brother Ian.
“She’s gone from a really good player to a great player,” MacDowell said. “She’s not only wonderful on the field but she’s fully professional off the field as well.
The only Grade 12 girl in the academy this year, Anderton-Teasedale has led the program’s culture and set the standards, MacDowell noted.
“She really keeps all the boys in line,” he said. “She’s one of the top playmakers for young women in Canada, she’s got wonderful vision, wonderful skills and is very professional and organized in her life.”
Anderton-Teasedale will join other MacDowell Rugby academy players with the Vikes.
“We’re thrilled we’ll get to still support her on the island,” MacDowell said. “She’s a world class player and will be a top U Sport athlete at UVic over the next four or five years.”