A Ron Dearing UTC sixth form student has her sights set on an exciting career in rugby league after her team won the Women’s League One Grand Final.
Ruby Ellis, 17, played for Hull FC’s Women’s Team last season and they clinched their first ever league title against Fryston Warriers, winning the game 26-18 at Featherstone Rovers’ Millenium Stadium ground in West Yorkshire.
Half back Ruby has played rugby since the age seven and has recently joined the York Valkyrie Under 19s Women’s Academy to further her sporting career.
She has previously played for Hull Kingston Rovers Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s teams and is considering applying to study sport at the University of Hull when she leaves Ron Dearing UTC next year.
But Ruby’s ultimate dream is to play for England and reach the top of her game, making a career out of the sport she adores.
The Year 13 student, who is studying Double Engineering and Computing at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “I love rugby – it’s my whole life. This is the best competition to win and it was a really exciting day.
“The last time we played Fryston Warriers they won, so we had to have our heads in the game and put our best foot forward. I could hear our families shouting when we won.
“I’m on a pathway to play for England one day and I would love a career in sport, either as a player or a coach.”
As the season has ended, Ruby is continuing to train hard in the gym every day.
She is currently completing the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme, which is designed for young people aged between 16 and 18 who have the potential to achieve excellence in rugby while pursuing an outstanding education.
The programme will also see Ruby play a game in France in June next year alongside other talented female players.
She said: “Everyone at Ron Dearing UTC has been so supportive and even amended my timetable when I’ve had training.
“They encourage the students to do more outside of the classroom, such as sport, which means I can do what I love and keep fit while studying.”
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re incredibly proud of Ruby and everything she has achieved in rugby so far.
“She’s definitely one to watch and we’re looking forward to following her progress in the years to come.
“We fully support and encourage our students to embrace new experiences and activities outside the classroom and Ruby has demonstrated what can be achieved with determination, commitment and ambition.”
If Ruby’s impressive credentials weren’t enough, her rugby talents were further recognised on Saturday, November 23, when she swept the board at the Women’s Hull FC Presentation, winning the Players’ Player award, the Coaches’ Player award, and a special recognition award from the DiSE programme.