Trying new things in college is always encouraged. In my first two years, I realized I hadn’t really done enough of that - and my level of happiness in school was dipping low. After some research, and a few late nights thinking that I was totally tough enough to play, I decided when I got back to school this fall I’d join the women’s rugby team. What I expected was to have some discipline and a good amount of confusion about the sport. What I received was so much more.
1. No matter what you look like, there’s a place for you on the team.
Before rugby, I had never encountered a sport where I could look around and see people of all different shapes, sizes, and builds. There are some girls that are tall, lean, short, muscular, and everything in between. When I stepped on the field, no longer were my “problem areas” looked at. Instead I was judged as how I could best be an asset for the team. That alone skyrocketed my confidence level.
2. It’s okay to fall down, as long as you get back up.
This fall was the first time someone had wrapped their arms around me with the true, pure intent of laying me out. That first hit wasn’t exactly fun, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. I’d been so scared of being tackled, until it was finally over with. Instead of learning to be scared, I learned that as long as I got back to my feet, it was okay.
3. You’re stronger than you think you are.
Despite my excitement, I didn’t actually think I’d be strong enough to be a rugby player. I had all of these preconceived notions in my mind that were anything but true. I have a long way to go, but I’m learning every day that I’m really stronger than I believed myself to be before. Not just physically, mentally as well. Playing rugby doesn’t just make me ready for the toughness of the game, it prepares me every day to overcome the tough obstacles in life.
4. Working together is better than working alone.
On the field, the team is a cohesive unit - at least it should be. Very seldom can you run a play or score a try without working with your teammates. Even when you break away and sprint your heart out, your teammates stay with you across the entire field. Learning how to cooperate and work with others translates well into your personal life as well.
5. Your worst opponent can be your best friend.
In other sports, when I faced my worst rivals on the field or in the pool, I never felt thrilled to talk to them afterward. Despite sharing a love for a similar sport, we never bridged that gap from rivals to friends. In rugby, every player is connected by the game. I know now that no matter where I go, meeting another rugby player will be like meeting family.
There are more than enough reasons why I’m lucky to be playing rugby - about fifty of those reasons are the strong, inspiring women that I play with. The family I’ve become a part of continues to teach me new lessons every day on the field, and I’m forever grateful to be a part of them.