Unbreakable: Shannon-Lee Windvogel turns setbacks into Springbok Sevens dream

From the dusty fields of Rosemoor to the international stage in Nairobi, Shannon-Lee Windvogel is a name every South African rugby fan is about to hear a lot more of.

At 21, the dynamic speedster has officially traded her “rising star” tag for a place in the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad – fulfilling a dream previously delayed by injury.

As she prepares to make her international debut this weekend at the HSBC SVNS 2 in Kenya, here is the journey of the woman who refused to let injury, or anything else, stop her.

⁠The Rosemoor roots

Windvogel’s story began in the heart of George, specifically in Rosemoor and Thembalethu. She attended Rosemoor Primary and George High School, where her athletic journey started far away from the rugby pitch.

Initially, she was a standout in athletics and netball, but a chance encounter with her primary school rugby coach, Anthony Philip, changed her life. She eventually came to view Philip as a father figure, crediting him with guiding her towards the sport she now loves.

A prodigy spotted early

The talent was always there. At just 13 years old in 2017, Shannon-Lee was spotted during a youth tournament. She was quickly recruited for the SWD EaGirls under-16 team, marking the start of a long and successful stint with her "rugby family”. Even while playing for the SWD EaGirls, she stayed loyal to her roots, continuing to play for George High and the local George Lilly’s on weekends.

Overcoming injury nightmare

The road to green and gold was anything but smooth. In 2022, she earned selection for the SA Under-21 15s side but never got the opportunity to take the field. A year later, captaining the SWD EaGirls and selected for the SA Under-20 team, she was ruled out again – this time due to concussion.

Springbok Women’s Sevens coach Cecil Afrika recently noted that she is finally “fully fit again after a long struggle with injury”, underlining her resilience and discipline. 

⁠The Dubai breakthrough

Her breakthrough moment arrived in November at the Dubai International Invitational, where she featured for the SA Sevens ‘A’ side alongside Bok Women’s World Cup star Byrhandré Dolf. Windvogel displayed the raw pace, footwork and attacking spark that convinced Afrika she was ready for the next step.

A dazzling 60m try against Sweden lit up the tournament. Although she was yellow-carded in the defeat to Brazil, she responded by scoring another try – a performance that confirmed she could handle the demands of the international circuit.

⁠More than just a winger

While she spent much of her career as a lethal winger, scoring 11 tries for the SWD EaGirls, in their last First Division win, the 1.67m flyer has also transitioned into a sweeper role. This versatility, combined with what Afrika calls "exciting footwork", makes her a dangerous asset for the Springbok Women's Sevens as they push for World Series qualification.

She would do well to learn from the playmaking and attacking talent the Blitzboks Women have in abundance in their ranks – the likes of skipper Nadine Roos, Dolf, Maria Tshiremba, and Patience Mokone. 

⁠Faith, family, and the Rhinos

Shannon-Lee is quick to point out that her success isn't down to luck. She relies heavily on her faith and her support system.She recently told the George Herald that “I feel like I worked hard for it and God was by my side”. She goes on to credit her private coach, Luzane Williams, her family, and the Rhinos rugby franchise in the US – who she played for during a tournament in 2023 –  for helping her hone her craft and stay motivated during the dark days of rehab.

What’s next?

Shannon-Lee Windvogel is officially in the squad for the weekend's HSBC SVNS 2 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi – just one stop on their redemption tour as they try to get back to the top table of sevens rugby. Replacing the injured Vianca Boer, she is finally getting the chance to make the dream she’s had since she first picked up a rugby ball a reality.