GEORGE NEWS - Shannon-Lee Windvogel is beaming with passion for rugby and is currently training as a development player for the South African sevens team, working hard to make her dreams come true.
"The future looks bright for me and for the foreseeable future I am going to be focused on sevens rugby," says Windvogel during an interview.
Currently based full-time at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports, Windvogel is training to hopefully turn her development contract into a senior contract in 2025.
"Ever since I started playing rugby I wanted to play sevens and now I am one step closer to making my dream a reality," she says.
Growing up in Rosemoor and Thembalethu, Windvogel went to school at Rosemoor Primary and then at George High School.
Initially she only participated in athletics and netball, until Rosemoor Primary rugby coach Anthony Philip encouraged her to play rugby.
"Eventually Anthony became like a father to me," says Windvogel.
Her talent was spotted at the age of 13 during a youth tournament in 2017 and she was recruited for the SWD EaGirls u.16 team, where she has been playing ever since.
In addition, she continued playing for George High School until matric and over the weekends she played for the George Lilly's.
Shannon-Lee Windvogel on her way to score for the SWD EaGirls during their Women’s First Division final against the Leopards. Photo: Jacques du Toit
In 2022, at the age of 18, she got her first South African colours when she was selected for the u.21 Springbok 15-a-side team, but she didn't play any matches.
In 2023 she captained the SWD EaGirls squad playing in an u.20 youth tournament in Umtata.
It was here that she was selected for the u.20 Springboks 15-a-side team, but she was again prevented from playing any matches due to a concussion.
Earlier this year, she was recruited as a development player for the SA women's sevens team and has been part of the training squad since April.
She was also selected to attend a two-week training camp in Potchefstroom for the SA sevens team that would attend the Olympics, but was not selected.
"I am definitely going to aim to get selected for the next squad going to the Olympics," says Windvogel.
While she now focuses on developing her career, she fondly remembers her time at the SWD EaGirls where she played mainly as a winger.
"This year was my last great win with my family at the SWD EaGirls," she says about her team winning the Women's First Division final. In the league she scored the most tries (11) and the second most points (55).
She is very grateful to the people who helped and encouraged her along the way.
"This is just the start and it was never luck. I feel like I worked hard for it and God was by my side. I am also extremely grateful for the support I receive from my family, my private coach, Luzane Williams, and also the Rhinos rugby franchise in the United States," says Windvogel.
Shannon-Lee Windvogel on her way to score for the SWD EaGirls during their Women's First Division final against the Leopards. Photo: Jacques du Toit
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