Forward: Chang Si Ying
Blackswrugby: How long have you been playing rugby for? Who/what made you join this sport?
SiYing: It all started out in PESS when my classmate, Tao, invited several of us to join a rugby clinic. So thinking that a PE teacher should be equipped with a repertoire of skills and since its always good to be exposed to more sports, I gave it a try and then went on to continue with NTU Women's rugby which consist of almost all my class girls. As trainings was becoming more intense, I decided to be less involved in the Netball scene so I stopped playing, coaching and umpiring Netball so as to focus on rugby wholeheartedly.
Blackswrugby: Describe your pain and pleasure of playing rugby on a good or bad day.
SiYing: I still remember that awful feeling when I woke up the next day after my first 7s game at KL. I was practically whining non-stop to my room mate as I did not expect such terrible body aches and bruises. Although I was new to the team, I was not one of the youngest members so basically my room mate looked at me sternly, told me that it's rugby and I better suck it up. So fierceeee!
Blackswrugby: What was your greatest fall (literally or metaphorically) and what made you come back from that?
SiYing: I was very disheartened when I first realised that my left knee tendon was inflamed and exasperated when it started giving me problems (although my injury is not as serious as many who have been out.) Having played other sports competitively before, I have never been in such a situation whereby it caused so much discomfort even when I am not playing. When teaching and at night, the aching feeling was so unbearable but it really taught me to learn to manage my own body better because the last thing you want to know is that you cannot play for your team due to injuries.
Blackswrugby: What do your students think of your sadistic love for bruises and passion for adrenaline-charged tackles?
SiYing: I think my students secretly like to count the bruises and inform me about them? Or maybe they are more of being nosey or probably sometimes concerned about how I get the bruises. However, I think my colleagues are always the one who looked very shocked and worried when they see the bruises on my body and are amazed that there's women's rugby around in Singapore. When I get such reactions, it's just time for me to educate them. Zzz.
Blackswrugby: Have you ever secretly thought of implementing our fitness trainings into your PE lesson plan?
SiYing: Hahahahah! I do add in some elements of it into my own teaching, especially fitness and conditioning for my children. I mean children love challenges and new variations so that will keep them interested. When I take my recreational basketball girls I will also add in simple parts of it and then put in the necessary related components catered for the sport itself.
Blackswrugby: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
SiYing: Hmm, probably just making sure my hair is tie up tight and properly using my favorite hair tie?
Blackswrugby: Who inspires you and name 3 friends who have made you want to improve yourself as a player?
SiYing: I feel that there's really a lot to learn from every single person in Blacks. For instance, one of my teammates may well be demonstrating strong determination when completing one of the drills and I want to be like her or maybe another team mate who shows great dedication in this sport and I wish to learn from her too. In fact, I share what I see or learn in Blacks with my pupils. So I would say, everyone has a role to play in making me a better player. (:
Blackswrugby: In life, if you didnt have rugby along with all the trainings, gym sessions and games, what would you be doing with all the free time?
SiYing: Just recently when I can afford to have free time, I will go jogging and strolls at different parks or nature reserve. But then again, it's not all the time, it still depends on my mood. Hahaha.
Blackswrugby: Give 3 wordsthat best describe why you are still here with the club.
SiYing: I can't really figure out any 3 words but "TEAM" (Together Everyone Achieves More) just came into my mind. This is THE team that makes me feel that everyone works hard for one another and it's through everyone's effort that we attain our goals.
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